Gameboys is the successful Boys' Love (BL) series, the first of this genre for the Philippines when it premiered on YouTube in May 2020. Set during the COVID-19 pandemic, the story revolves around Cairo (Elijah Canlas) and Gavreel (Kokoy De Santos) who strike up a friendship while playing online games and eventually fall in love. The series has attracted a large fanbase for its relatable themes and story-telling concept utilising the social media format as well as having the characters interact via video calls and instant messages. There are 13 episodes plus a Netflix special, Gameboys Level-Up Edition.
As a spin-off, Gameboys: The Movie, continues with Cairo and Gavreel spending a romantic holiday together before Cairo has to return to his province. When Gavreel's ultra-conservative aunt visits, the couple face a relationship test and begin to question their future together. In the meantime, other friends also show up struggling with their own challenges.
The film is directed by Ivan Andrew Payawal and written by Ash Malanum, who are also the series' director and writer, respectively. It was released in July 2021 and theatrical release in Japan is scheduled for January 21, 2022.
