Can Malaysia be a regional gaming hub? We’ve potential to be one, according to the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC). MDeC hosted Level UP KL 2015, one of Southeast Asia’s premier gaming conferences in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The conference has the key objective to bring together prominent international and local players in the gaming industry to interact, educate and share knowledge.
Held over two days from 18-19 November, the event attracted over 350 participants in the local and international game industry. Key speakers included Michael Mumbauer from Sony Computer Entertainment America, Grayson Chalmers from Blizzard Entertainment, Wan Hazmer from Square Enix, and Tommy Palmer of Candy Crush fame.
Level UP KL 2015, in conjunction with ASEAN Entrepreneurship Summit, is part of ongoing efforts spearheaded by MDeC to build a world-class gaming ecosystem in Malaysia. Malaysia is one of the nations in a formal alliance called ASEAN Game Network Connection, dedicated to improve the landscape of the gaming industry in Southeast Asia.
Growing industry
According to research firm Newzoo, global gaming revenues in 2015 is projected to be US$91.5 billion, and is expected to hit US$107 billion in 2017.
Asia-Pacific is the largest source of gaming revenue, accounting for US$43.1 billion. The Southeast Asian games industry is projected to grow by 30% in the next five years (2015-2018) driven by rapid rise in internet access and ownership.
With that in mind, MDeC aims to build a platform for local players to showcase and sell their work internationally. In March this year, MDeC partnered GameFounders, the first gaming startup accelerator in Europe.
Tapping into GameFounders’ network of mentors, investors and strategic partners help raise the bar of the Malaysian game ecosystem.
GameFounders was present on Demo Day during Level UP KL 2015 to share insight and success stories on the gaming industry. One of the success stories from the accelerator program is IMGNATION Studios from Brazil, a startup focused on VR (virtual reality).
Apply now
Subsequently, GameFounders have opened registrations for its accelerator program – GameFounders’ Spring 2016 Asia. Interested game developers can apply at www.gamefounders.com/apply. Application closes on 20 December 2015.
