eSports is fast gaining traction and mainstream acceptance. Southeast Asia particularly, has the fastest growing eSports audience in the world with more than 9.5 million eSports enthusiasts. Malaysia, alongside countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand and Vietnam are known as the “Big 6” in eSports at a regional level. It is estimated that there are over 2.4 million e-sports enthusiasts in Malaysia (2017).
Undoubtedly, Malaysia has the potential to grow into a force to be reckoned with in the eSports arena. Recognising that, the government has ambitions of turning Malaysian into a regional hub for eSports. In November last year, the government announced an allocation of MYR10 million to grow eSports in the country, through initiatives and agencies like the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). Shortly after, leading gaming brand Razer committed to investing an additional MYR10 million in Malaysian eSports in 2019.
Through investments from local and foreign parties, in line with government objectives and initiatives through agencies like MDEC, the nation’s ambitions to be an eSports powerhouse in Asia will be closer to reality.
It isn’t just eSports culture that’s gaining traction, but it has boost the PC and mobile games industry as well, expected to surpass USD2 billion in 2021.
After a demonstration run at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, eSports will be included as a full medal event at the upcoming SEA Games in November and the 2022 Asian Games, reaffirming the nascent sport as a “real sport” and its growing mainstream appeal. Even the International Olympic Council (IOC) is mulling over its inclusion in the 2024 Olympic Games in France.
Last Friday, Maxis announced that it is collaborating with Team Secret, a world-renowned professional eSports pro-gaming team and currently the No.1 DOTA 2 team in the world.
The telco is now a proud sponsor of Team Secret’s all-Malaysian PUBG Mobile team, in line with the company’s efforts to help grow Malaysia’s eSports scene, empowering the next generation of world-class gamers.
With the partnership, players and fans in Malaysia can anticipate superior gaming experience on Maxis’ No.1 4G network and on fibre, as well as best gaming smartphone bundles with Maxis Zerolution; great value in-game purchases via Operator Billing for Hotlink, Maxis and ookyo customers.
The partnership will also see both Maxis and Team Secret developing year-long, exclusive and world-class gaming content with Team Secret’s PUBG Mobile team to inspire and cultivate Malaysian gamers to play on the world stage.
The Team Secret PUBG Mobile team is currently the only Malaysian team that qualified for the PUBG Mobile Club Open (PMCO) 2019 Spring Global Championship in Berlin, Germany.
Follow Team Secret’s journey at Maxis Facebook Page and Team Secret’s Facebook Page for updates.
