Why gaming has become more than a hobby for young Malaysians

KUALA LUMPUR: Modern-day Malaysian accountants, like Mohamed Ilyas Suhairi, are finding solace in video games, which offer more than just relaxation. Ilyas shared that after a mentally taxing day, gaming acts as an innovative escape and a platform for socializing with friends. Moreover, the enthusiast has recently taken a keen interest in esports - the competitive side of gaming.

"I've become fascinated by how players and teams strategize, and how the games can become intensely competitive," said Ilyas, speaking to Bernama. Ilyas is not alone in his gaming pursuits. Many young Malaysians have been drawn towards gaming and esports; a phenomenon that has transcended the realm of a mere hobby. This shift in perspective is attributed to the expanding ecosystem surrounding gaming, which now encompasses professionals, streamers, commentators, coaches, production crews, developers, and digital artists.

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil highlighted that esports is just one component of a broader digital-content industry. This ecosystem consists of various roles, such as coaches, production teams, animators, game developers, and digital artists. The opportunities in esports are not only limited to competitive players but also extend to event production, technical staff, and creative specialists.

Recognizing this wider potential, the Malaysian government has invested in government-backed programs focused on gaming development, training, and digital games. This shift is also reflected in the rising number of Malaysian audiences who follow major esports tournaments. The M6 World Championship in Kuala Lumpur, for instance, in 2024, garnered over 4.1 million peak concurrent viewers and 85 million hours watched.

Additionally, domestic competitions continue to attract substantial viewership across various streaming platforms. The appeal of esports is not exclusive to the major international tournaments. Regular leagues have fostered a sense of community, allowing fans to support their favorite teams, analyze strategies, and witness high-pressure moments unfold in real-time.

This digital culture facilitates seamless transitions between watching, playing, and creating content, thus blurring the lines between competition and entertainment. The evolution of gaming and esports extends beyond traditional competitive play, opening up diverse career paths for individuals. Former professional gamers, for example, have ventured into streaming, building audiences on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, where they can generate income through advertising, sponsorships, viewer donations, merchandise sales, and paid content.

Others have found opportunities in coaching, analysis, event production, and digital content creation. MDEC's perspective aligns with this notion, recognizing gaming and esports as integral components of the wider digital-content economy. As gaming continues to evolve, its integration into the lives of younger Malaysians signifies more than just a pastime.

It represents a space for socialization, skill development, and career exploration, illustrating the profound impact gaming has had on the contemporary Malaysian landscape.