Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios picks Malaysia for its first studio in SEA

• Strong recognition of Malaysia as heart of games industry in the region
• Sony Interactive cites talent, vibrant game ecosystem & support from government

The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia today announced that it is partnering with Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SIE WWS) to establish the global games powerhouse’s very first Southeast Asia studio in Malaysia in 2020. This announcement, made by Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia, is a strong recognition of Malaysia as the heart of the games industry in this region.

“We are excited to announce our formal partnership with Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios on the establishment of its studio in Malaysia, which will create more opportunities for the local and regional game industry,” said Gobind.

“Impressive talent, a vibrant game ecosystem, and support from the government are key reasons why we have decided to take our partnership with Malaysia to the next level,” said Jim Ryan, President and CEO, Sony Interactive Entertainment.

Further building on this, Gobind says, “Malaysia will be working closely with Sony Interactive to create more opportunities for the local and regional games industry. Together, we will work to uplift creative talents in Malaysia and even establish a partnership with our local educational partners. This is to ensure the accelerated growth of this industry in our country will be supported.”

Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios Malaysia Sdn Bhd (SIE WWS Malaysia) will provide art and animation services as part of SIE WWS activities, developing global exclusive titles for PlayStation® platforms. The Malaysian studio will be Sony Interactive's 16th studio, with the rest being in Japan, England, the US and Netherlands.

Also excited by the Sony Interactive collaboration is Darrel Leiking, Minister of International Trade and Industry Malaysia. “This establishment by Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios is a key win for Malaysia and a testament to the nation’s efforts to attract strategic high-quality investments from international companies. Malaysia has all the right criteria to become the favoured investment location for international game developers. Our thriving games ecosystem and world-class talent have attracted over 60 game development studios from all over the world and we look forward to more in the future.”

Over the past 20 years, Malaysia has successfully built its local Digital Creative Content industry, creating 149 IP titles, generating US$1.83 billion (RM7.6 billion) revenue and export sales of US$314 million (RM1.3 billion) with a global reach to over 120 countries.