Malaysia’s Digital Gaming Content Exports Expected To Show Significant Potential In 2024

By Durratul Ain Ahmad Fuad

TOKYO, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's digital gaming content exports are expected to show significant potential this year, with Japan emerging as a key market, amid global projections of the gaming industry reaching US$187.7 billion in 2024. 

With strong support from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Malaysian developers and animation studios are gaining increasing recognition in global markets.

bootstrap slideshow

MATRADE Tokyo trade commissioner, Zuaziezie Zulkefli noted that the video game industry has experienced a decade of strong growth, driven by improving access to communication technologies and the expansion of the digital economy across the region.

He said that the growing digital economy has spurred the sector’s development, particularly in game development, animation, and visual effects across platforms such as personal computers, consoles, and mobile devices.

“In Malaysia, this industry recorded exports totalling RM1 billion in 2022, across 120 markets and territories, and the industry is growing at eight per cent annually.

bootstrap slideshow

“MATRADE's and MDEC’s involvement in this event aligns with the government’s focus on the gaming and digital content industry; a priority sector under the National Industrial Master Plan 2030,” he said in his welcoming remarks during the launch of the Malaysia Pavilion at the Tokyo Game Show 2024 (TGS 2024) today. 

The Malaysia Pavilion was officially launched by Malaysia's Ambassador to Japan, Datuk Shahril Effendi Abd Ghany. 

MATRADE first participated in the TGS in 2016 through an Export Acceleration Mission programme, and starting in 2021, the trade promotion agency has set up a national pavilion at TGS, showcasing Malaysian gaming companies and innovations in collaboration with MDEC.

Meanwhile, MDEC head of digital transformation Datuk Fadzli Abdul Wahit said TGS 2024 marks MDEC's eighth consecutive year participating in the renowned global gaming event, further underscoring Malaysia’s commitment to becoming a leader in the digital and gaming industry.

 “Through events like TGS 2024, we are reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to be at the forefront of digital content and gaming development. By strengthening international ties, we are building a future where Malaysian talent and creativity are recognised worldwide.

"This aligns with MDEC's broader vision: ensuring that Malaysia remains a leader in the digital economy while providing our local companies with the resources and platforms they need to succeed,” he said. 

Themed ‘Trailblaze the World of Gaming’, the Malaysia Pavilion features 10 Malaysian gaming companies, showcasing their innovation to the global market while exploring opportunities for collaboration with international game developers, content creators, and technology companies. 

The 10 companies are Adticles, Ammobox Studios, Bear Down Studios, Dreamscapes Edtech, Esolved MSC, Goolee, Magnus Games Studio, Rcade Studio, Why Knot, and Todak Studios. 

In a statement, Shahril Effendi noted that Japan is a global leader in the gaming industry, and by fostering partnerships with Japanese companies, Malaysia can further enhance its capabilities and position itself as a regional hub for creative technology.

“These collaborations not only enhance our technical capabilities but also position Malaysia as a hub for creativity, talent, and investment in the gaming sector,” he said.

This year’s show is the largest in TGS history, with a total of 985 companies -- 450 from Japan and 535 international participants, including Malaysia -- showcasing their gaming products and services during the four-day event, held from Sept 26-29, 2024.

Key activities at the Malaysia Pavilion include high-level meetings, business matching, and networking with Japanese game publishers and technology incubators, including Bandai Namco Studio, Nintendo, and IMDA Singapore.

--BERNAMA