GROWING up, playing video games was something that many elders would frown upon. They would berate us, not seeing its benefits or how promising it could be. Until now.
Many have turned passion into profit, making money from video games by winning competitions.
The global games market was valued at US$184.4 billion in 2022 and forecasted to rise to US$211.2 billion in 2025, said Newszoo.
The Southeast Asia Game Industry Report 2021 revealed that Malaysia has the third largest game market in the region, valued at US$786 million.
Efforts to boost the local gaming scene include a collaboration between Malaysian telco company Yoodo and Sweden-based gaming organisation Alliance.
Let's hope the partnership will give a boost to Malaysian esports professionals and empower the local gaming community.
What led to the partnership?
Since its inception in 2018, Yoodo has been finding ways to amp up the esports scene.
Yoodo saw Alliance as a vital partner in realising its dream and formed the PUBG Mobile team Yoodo Alliance to ensure that the Malaysian esports ecosystem is vibrant and recognised globally.
"Alliance has an astounding track record of producing winning teams in esports. By sharing knowledge, we can benefit from their long-standing experience in managing esports teams, while exposing our local talent to global championship platforms," said Yoodo head Chow Tuck Mun.
He said Yoodo and Alliance shared a vision of building a strong PUBG Mobile team.
Alliance co-owner Kelly Ong said the organisation aimed to support gamers who dream of becoming professional esports players in Malaysia, as well as help train Malaysians to work in esports locally and globally.
"We have a shared interest in PUBG Mobile. As a global organisation with expertise in other esports, we decided to collaborate to improve Malaysia's esports ecosystem."
Can Malaysia become an esports hub?
Ong said strong infrastructure and ecosystem were needed to take Malaysian esports to greater heights.
"We need good plans for local and global events, professional teams or organisations, media and sponsors, to gaming-related businesses such as merchandising or talent agencies, just to name a few.
"We also need to cater to all levels," he said, from amateur to elite levels.
Chow said the esports ecosystem could be boosted through cooperation between the government, the public sector and esports organisations.
He said streamlining the responsibilities of esports-related government agencies would pave the way for government grants, subsidies and university programmes.
"Many individuals come together to make a tournament successful, from content creators, casters, graphic designers, event organisers to live-streamers.
"If we support the industry in all aspects, Malaysia can emerge as an esports hub."
How can esports benefit Malaysia?
Chow said the Yoodo Alliance team making it to the PUBG Mobile Global Championship twice opened the doors for more players to compete and showcase their talent to the world.
"Malaysians need to recognise the importance of this market as it is one of the key drivers for Malaysia's economic growth.
"Professional gamers are considered celebrities and athletes with careers and salaries.
"Now, playing games or being involved in the esports ecosystem is a viable career choice."
He said besides attracting Southeast Asian teams like RSG and international organisations like Secret, Nigma Galaxy and Alliance, many other global organisations were also planning to come to Malaysia.
This means that the esports market is growing.
"Global game publishers like Tencent Games and Moonton have representatives in Malaysia to grow their footprint.
"We are also seeing more corporations getting involved in esports. This will help professionalise the ecosystem and raise the country's profile for investors to enter the market."