Level Up KL 2022 uplifts M’sian gaming industry

• One thousand five hundred participants, 80 speakers & 100 exhibitors
• Aims to empower M’sia to become a world-class gaming ecosystem in SEA

Level Up KL 2022 or the Southeast Asia Game Developers Conference which took place on Oct 4 and ends on Oct 7 plans to empower Malaysia's digital video game industry towards becoming the regional gaming hub.

In a joint statement from Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia (MCMC), both parties said this year’s event returned to its physical format and saw 1,500 participants, 80 speakers, and over 100 exhibitors from all over the world.

According to the minister of communications and multimedia Annuar Musa, Level Up 2022 is its commitment in establishing and empowering Malaysia to become a world-class gaming ecosystem in Southeast Asia.

“Level Up KL showcases the breadth of talents in Malaysia’s gaming industry to international players; hence, creating opportunities for partnerships and future investments from the region,” he said.

MDEC chief executive officer Mahadhir Aziz (pic) said Level Up KL is aligned with the recently launched Malaysia Digital, a national strategic initiative which aims to encourage and attract companies, talents and investments while enabling Malaysians businesses and the rakyat to play a leading part in the global digital economy.

“Level Up KL, which is in its eight-year running, puts local businesses and talent on a global level by attracting industry players with its thought-leadership keynotes, high-level panel discussions, and exciting collaborations,” he said.

This year, MDEC is set to make several key announcements in the gaming industry. This includes:

• MDEC will be signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Nine66, a Saudi Arab-based gaming company, to explore and promote game development collaboration between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. This includes providing overseas internship opportunities for local talent to enhance their skills and increase their global work exposure;
• MDEC will be signing a MoU with home-grown game studio, Magnus Games Studio, to promote Metaverse initiative and projects. It will also collaborate with Magnus Games Studio at the upcoming Malaysia Digital Content Festival 2022 (MYDCF), where Magnus Games will support the marketing and promotion of MYDCF on its metaverse platform; and
• MDEC will also be signing a MoU with SEA Gamer Mall to launch the Malaysia Game Fest (MGF). Driven by MDEC, MGF is aimed at promoting local game products and increasing IP commercialistion by leveraging on its Southeast Asian platform partners. The three-month campaign will start in October and end in December 2022.

MDEC said in Malaysia, the video game industry has become one of the fastest growing industries in the digital economy.

According to PWC Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2019-2023, the video game market generated a revenue of US$214.2 billion (RM993 billion) in 2021 (excluding e-sports), with a forecast compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4% to reach US$321.1 billion (RM1.48 trillion) by 2026.

MDEC said Level Up KL 2022 continues to support Malaysia’s position as a regional hub by creating a conducive, inclusive, and globally competitive digital content ecosystem. 

The event also reflects the government’s ambitions of catalysing the games industry by supporting the ecosystem for game developers and publishers, it said.

Simultaneously, it exposes and creates awareness of new gaming technology by providing a platform for the community to interact, learn and share knowledge in game development, it added.

Click here to register or for more information.