Esports is a booming industry, with viewership numbers only increasing year by year. With Malaysia now officially recognizing esports as a sport, the country has lots of potential to become a leading player in this rapidly growing market. In this article, we will take a look at the current state of esports in Malaysia and discuss some of its key players. We will also look forward to see the development of the industry in Malaysia over the next few years.
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Background of Esports in Malaysia
Esports in Malaysia is a rapidly growing industry that has seen immense growth in recent years. With the advent of streaming platforms like Twitch and social media networks like Facebook, esports has become more accessible to many people who might not have had an opportunity to experience it before.
In Malaysia, esports first started gaining traction in 2013 when the country’s first professional gaming league – Malaysian Esports League (MSL) was established. Since then, the scene has seen tremendous growth with several other leagues and tournaments emerging over the years. In 2016, ESL Southeast Asia announced its inaugural season of the Southeast Asia Pro League (SEAPL), which featured teams from Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. The following year saw the establishment of two new leagues – SEA Games 2017 Premier League (SGP) and MSL Winter Season which will have a total of 10 teams participating. Furthermore, there are also ongoing grassroots initiatives such as National Collegiate Esports Association (NCSEA) which was founded by University Malaya Vice-Chancellor Datuk Seri Dr Zainal Abidin Ahmad in 2017.
The growth of esports in Malaysia is likely due to several factors. First, the country has a passionate fan base for traditional sports such as football (soccer) and basketball which makes it easier for them to transition into esports. Second, esports is generally cheaper to watch than traditional sports events making it more accessible for fans and sponsors alike. Third, Malaysia’s large population means there is a lot of potential esports fans who are yet to be tapped into the industry.
Looking forward, there are several key areas that Malaysian esports stakeholders need to focus on in order to continue growth. Firstly, the country needs to create an ecosystem that supports and nurtures esports talent and infrastructure. This includes developing a robust streaming infrastructure, promoting gaming culture and creating a healthy regulatory environment for the industry. Secondly, Malaysian teams and leagues need to work together to develop unified branding and marketing strategies in order to create a stronger presence in the global esports landscape. Finally, there is a need for grassroots initiatives like NCSEA to engage with local schools and promote esports as an education tool which can help nurture future talent for the industry.
The Malaysian Esports Scene
Esports in Malaysia is not a new phenomenon, but it has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. The Malaysian Esports Federation (MESF) was formed in May of 2018 to promote esports within the country. With the growth of esports, there has been an increase in grassroots tournaments and competitions, with MESF also playing a role in organising these events.
There are currently around 50 active participants in the Malaysian Esports Scene, including both professional and amateur teams. Professional teams include Team WP (formerly known as Guerrilla Warfare), which is one of Malaysia’s most successful esports franchises, while amateur teams are often made up of students who are passionate about gaming. There is potential for the Malaysian Esports Scene to grow even larger with more engagement from organisations such as MESF, government bodies and businesses.
Some of the key challenges that the Malaysian Esports Scene faces include lack of infrastructure – including proper venues – and inadequate funding. However, with concerted effort from all involved parties, this scene can continue to grow and become one of the leading platforms for young Malaysians to showcase their talent and potential.
Regional Contests and Tournaments
Esports in Malaysia is still in its developmental stages, but with the right organisation and dedication, it has the potential to become one of Southeast Asia’s leading esports hubs. With strong regional competitions and tournaments on the horizon, Malaysia has a chance to develop a strong esports culture that can be enjoyed by fans from all over the region.
One of the first Malaysian esports events was held back in April 2018 at University Sains Malaysia’s (USM) Student Union Ballroom. Called “The Malaysian Esports Open”, it was an invitational event featuring teams from both Malaysia and neighbouring countries like Thailand and Indonesia. The tournament aimed to promote eSports within universities and provide students with opportunities to compete against each other on an equal footing.
Since then, there have been dozens of smaller tournaments and matches organised by various organisations and groups across the country. Some of these include the “Malaysian Electronic Sports Championship” (MESC), which is organised by GameServers International Berhad (GSI) and features top teams from across Southeast Asia; as well as the “University Malaya Multimedia Games Tournament” (UMMGT), which is hosted annually by USM’s Department of Computer Science & Information Technology.
Both MESC and UMMGT offer cash prizes for their top finishers, as well as scholarships for participants who demonstrate exceptional talent in gaming. These competitions give aspiring gamers a chance to prove themselves before wider audiences and learn from the best in the business.
With the right investment and support, Malaysia has the potential to become one of Southeast Asia’s leading esports hubs. Regional competitions and tournaments are a great way to promote the game and build a community of fans, while also offering talented players a chance to showcase their skills. With continued dedication and effort, Malaysia could soon be home to some of the region’s most competitive gaming scenes.
The Growth of Esports in Malaysia
As esports in Malaysia continues to grow, the country is poised to become a major player in the global esports betting industry. Recently, the Malaysian Esports Association (MESA) was formed to help foster and promote esports in Malaysia, and the country has already hosted several international tournaments.
Esports betting has been growing in popularity across Asia for some time now, and Malaysia is no exception. The Malaysian Esports Association (MESA) was founded earlier this year with the goal of fostering and promoting esports in Malaysia. Already, they’ve held several international tournaments, including the 2018 ASEAN Games Qualifiers for League of Legends and Overwatch. With the growth of esports in Malaysia, it’s only a matter of time before we see even more high-quality competitions here.
Conclusion
The explosion of esports in Malaysia has been a long time coming, and the growth seen over the past few years is set to continue. With professional gaming leagues being launched, an increasing number of endemic gamers, and sponsorships from some of the biggest names in business, esports betting is quickly becoming a mainstream phenomenon. Already considered one of Asia’s most rapidly growing economies, Malaysian esports looks poised for even greater things in the years to come.