Big things are on the way in Malaysia’s gaming world, with the industry having skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. More people than ever are taking part in online gaming, in no small part due to how easy it is to game with smartphones these days. With the industry evolving constantly, it can be tricky to predict trends or what the next big thing will be. But there are some expectations for the gaming market in Malaysia that we’re sure will ring true in 2024.
As mentioned, one of the most significant predictions is that the mobile gaming craze will continue. Unsurprisingly, the favored gaming method is smartphones, much like the rest of the world, thanks to their convenience and ease of use. Rather than having to buy an expensive console or PC, users can access a limitless library of games with a device that they already own. It also means that games can be played no matter where in the country a player is, as long as they have WiFi or mobile data.
However, this does not mean that some keen gamers won’t continue to invest in computers or consoles in 2024. An estimated US$168 of the Malaysian gaming sector comes from PC/console games, which means it’s clearly still a popular choice!
In terms of the kinds of games that are being played, some interesting predictions have been made. One of the most up-and-coming genres is online gambling, of which countless mobile apps are popping up. Some of the best online casinos are available in Malaysia, giving players access to classics like slot machines, poker, roulette, and much more.
It makes sense that as the gaming industry grows, so does the demand for iGaming options, as they offer a financial incentive that other games may not have; not to mention that Malaysian citizens do not have easy access to land-based casinos, so online options are the best choice. Another interesting expectation is that live-streaming and watching live-streams through sites like Twitch will become commonplace in 2024. Streaming had a huge popularity and revenue boost, with numbers reported to reach a huge US$105.4 million by 2027.
In addition to online gambling, there are some other genres that are set to stand out from the others in Malaysia in the coming year. For example, role playing games (such as Pokémon Go and Avatar World: City Life) where the user can assume the role of a fictional character, are becoming some of the most-played across the country.
There’s no doubt that these are exciting games to play, and with the role of generative AI, they provide an immersive player experience like no other. Also expected to dominate the Malaysian gaming industry is battle royale games, like Players Unknown BattleGrounds (PUBG). This genre is loved all over Asia, and is often multiplayer, meaning players from different countries in the region are able to compete together.
Countries all over the world, Malaysia included, are beginning to see the benefits of encouraging Esports tournaments. There is an impressive fan base already in Malaysia for various Esports, with some of the world’s best and most talented athletes hailing from the country. It’s not hard to find tournaments or contests, both online and in-person, where players battle it out in games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Valorant, and Tekken 7.
In fact, Malaysia has its own official Esports tournament, funded and regulated by the Malaysia Electronic Sports Federation (MESF), called LIGA eMAS. As well as national competitions, the government has invested US$4.5 million into nurturing the industry and upcoming star athletes. This is a trend that is sure to develop massively in 2024.