As the talent pool continues to grow and the educational landscape evolves, Malaysia's potential to become a leader in the Southeast Asian gaming market is greater than ever before.
However, to unleash this potential, the country must not only cultivate and retain a skilled workforce but also ensure sufficient funding for innovative game development.
Malaysia is on the brink of a gaming revolution, yet the question remains: how can this momentum be harnessed to create captivating games that resonate both locally and globally?
Professor Chen Zhenyi, Vice Chancellor of Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), stated that Malaysia's gaming industry talent pool has seen significant growth over the years, especially in mobile, online, and video gaming sectors.
He noted that about 10 years ago, there were only about 30 gaming companies in Malaysia.
Today, this number has surged to about 85 film studios, including 9 international studios from countries like the USA, Belgium, and Japan. This upward trend indicates steady growth in the industry.
He recently stated at the 2024 Malaysia Digital Content Festival Business Day to The Malaysian Reserve (TMR), "Despite various factors such as global economic recession and inflation that could impact growth, Malaysia has the potential to become a hub for game development in Southeast Asia."
He added that the country has long been recognized as the art capital of the region, particularly in game art, and now is making progress in game programming, technology, and design.
The establishment of the EA FC Mobile team in Malaysia highlights the potential for comprehensive development opportunities.
Challenges in Education and Skill Development
Chen also emphasized that essential skills for Malaysian game developers include a solid foundation in game art and programming, as well as attention to detail and process optimization.
For higher-level positions, expertise in game engines and technical art is crucial. "To cultivate and retain gaming talent, Malaysia must develop a comprehensive talent channel beyond university education.
"Raising awareness of the local gaming industry is crucial, as many parents are unaware of the opportunities available in this field," he said.
Furthermore, Saranpat Sereewiwattana, Game Director at Revolution Industry, mentioned that in Thailand, the gaming industry focuses on small team collaborations and project production during students' university years.
"By the time they graduate, they have been involved in the development of multiple projects, giving them a head start," he added.
However, Sereewiwattana emphasized that English proficiency remains a barrier in Thailand, as many graduates struggle with English communication, hindering their ability to coordinate in international settings.
"This issue often requires studios to designate specific staff to handle communication," he added.
Cipto Agung, Chief Strategy Officer at Agate, stated that working in the gaming industry is considered a privilege, and people are often willing to accept lower salaries because they love their work.
"Therefore, you either work in the industry you love for a lower salary or work in a field you dislike for a higher salary, such as developing applications. This is why we see cycles of layoffs and hiring.
"Despite the general lack of job security, people still choose to play games, especially in countries like the USA where labor laws are less protective. In contrast, some countries, like Indonesia, offer better job security due to well-established regulations," he said.
Cipto added that the government needs to intervene, as academia traditionally adapts slowly.
"This is not just a gaming issue; AI and other tech industries are evolving so rapidly that even a six-month delay can render programs outdated. Therefore, the education system must develop at a faster pace," he emphasized.
Adapting to Financing Challenges in a Crowded Market
Justin Berenbaum, Vice President and General Manager of Strategic Planning at Xsolla, stated that as the gaming industry faces a challenging financing environment, establishing solid relationships with clients is crucial for maintaining direct connections.
The number of games released is staggering, with an estimated 18,000 games expected to be launched across major platforms in 2023. However, only about 1,000 of these are expected to be profitable.
"This reflects the shift from a growth market to a more mature market," he said.
Despite the continuous growth of the global market, gaming time has decreased by 26% since reaching its peak in 2022. "With more games being released, attracting attention and sales is becoming increasingly challenging," he said. Berenbaum noted that while independent games are experiencing a revival, console gamers have increased by 5%, which also means intensified competition for developers seeking funding and recognition.
He added that the impact of artificial intelligence on the industry is another topic worth noting.
"AI is not new; we have been using it in games for many years," he said.
He emphasized that understanding how to effectively utilize AI is crucial for developers to succeed in a competitive environment.
Regarding market trends, Berenbaum pointed out that 35% of the games seeking funding on his platform are PC versions, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for independent developers to break into the mobile gaming sector.
"Mobile gaming is mainly dominated by large companies, making it challenging for independent developers to make a breakthrough," he said.
Berenbaum emphasized that building a gaming business is a long-term endeavor.
He noted that better games are emerging in the region, which presents a tremendous opportunity for Malaysian developers.
Embracing Player Feedback to Enhance Game Experience
Stefan Marcus Baier, Global Studio Head at Streamline Studios, mentioned that when telling children what to do in the Open World Upin and Ipin game, the kids just want to play and do their own thing.
He noted that the exploratory instincts of young players help shape the games they are developing, highlighting the importance of player feedback in creating engaging open-world experiences.
Baier mentioned that initially, the game was linear, but as children roamed freely, it became clear that players desired more freedom.
"We worked to expand it because the kids wanted more freedom. This shift led to significant design changes, including overcoming technical challenges.
"The game's framework evolved based on the children's input, showing how user feedback can change a project," he explained.
He also mentioned that a major aspect of the game is the camera, which determines what players can see and how the game loads data.
After adopting player feedback, developers removed restrictions that frustrated players, especially those familiar with popular games like Red Dead Redemption and Grand Theft Auto.
"Our goal is to make everything discoverable and interactive," he said.
Baier explained that the game's special events change depending on the time of day, and there are ramps, scaffolding, and interaction points to enhance realism.
"Players can even control elements like weather and time. We've built in hidden hiking trails, collectibles, and wildlife to make the game more vivid," he said.
Furthermore, Renier Banninga, Creative Director and Co-founder of Streamline Studios, mentioned that when designing game worlds, balancing creativity with accuracy is crucial. While ensuring the map meets specifications, adjustments were made to improve game flow.
Strategic high-traffic areas were determined for task execution, preparing for future expansions.
He added that eliminating loading screens is another key feature to enhance game immersion.
Players can explore uninterrupted, a decision based on player feedback.
"We optimized materials and rendering features to ensure smooth performance," he said.
Exploring Moral Complexity in Interactive Narratives
Rajat Ojha, CEO of Gamitronics, stated that in video games, players have the power to change outcomes.
This interactivity gives players a sense of agency, allowing them to face challenges and solve moral dilemmas that reflect real-world issues.
He mentioned that he is currently working on a video game called "The Elsino Project," which depicts a corporate environment full of contrasts, blending glamour with mundanity, and technology with human frailties.
The story delves into themes such as harassment, deception, and moral dilemmas.
"We designed a world where harassment is not the focus but the backdrop, subtly integrated into the story structure. This allows players to reflect on these issues without feeling overwhelmed," he said.
Rajat explained that the protagonist, Cassandra, embodies this complexity. Initially an advocate for positive change, she later finds herself entangled in the dark side of the corporate world, struggling with her own moral ambiguities.
As players explore the storyline, they face the harsh realities of corporate life, where the subjectivity of truth and the ubiquity of harassment blur moral boundaries.
"We focus on character development, creating characters with moral complexity, challenging players to consider the consequences of their actions," he said.
The gaming industry has long been scrutinized for its treatment of women, especially following the #GamerGate controversy.
Women make up 53% of game players, but only 16% in the entire gaming industry, raising questions about inclusivity and representation.
Rajat collaborated with psychiatrists and corporate training experts to understand harassment and its impacts.
"This led to the creation of a project called 'SHE,' focused on workplace dynamics and the subtleties of harassment," he said.
Game mechanics reflect advancements in artificial intelligence technology, allowing non-player characters to remember players' choices, enhancing the authenticity of the experience.
This innovative approach aims to build emotional connections with players, similar to influential narrative-driven games like "Heavy Rain."
Rajat stated that in "The Elsino Project," players will face high-pressure situations, forcing them to make morally ambiguous decisions, challenging their values and perspectives.
