KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian game developers are in a good position to build on the local industry's strengths and take advantage of growing opportunities, says Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong during his opening speech today (Oct 16) at Level Up KL 2026.
"The significance of this industry goes well beyond entertainment. Game development brings together technology, storytelling, design and innovation, developing capabilities that are increasingly valuable across the wider digital economy.
"When we strengthen our games industry, we are also developing the creative and technical talent that Malaysia needs to compete in a rapidly changing world," he says.
Level Up KL is an annual video game conference that brings together both local and international developers and publishers to share and collaborate. The event is being held by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and runs over two days from Oct 15 to 16.
"Malaysia has developed a strong foundation in game development, supported by capable local talent, international industry participation and government initiatives.
"We are now focused on accelerating this growth, attracting more high-value investments and enabling Malaysian developers to compete globally.
"We want our creative professionals to acquire the skills and capabilities needed to move into higher-value activities, including developing globally competitive intellectual property," Wilson Ugak says.
He adds that this aligns with the goal of the Digital Creative Ecosystem Roadmap in making the country a global digital creative hub.
Among the targets under the roadmap are RM9bil in digital creative industry revenue, RM6bil in exports, RM6bil in strategic investments, and 10,000 high-value jobs by 2030.
Wilson Ugak also emphasised in his speech that when developing talent, there is a need to recognise how new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) are changing industries, including video game development.
"Technology continues to change the way games are developed and experienced. While these advancements bring new possibilities, we must also recognise the concerns they raise, particularly for those whose skills and livelihoods are directly affected.
"As we embrace innovation, we must ensure that human talent, originality, and creative ownership remain central to the industry's future.
"Our goal is not simply to develop a more technologically advanced industry, but one that continues to value its people and the work they create.
"This must also be supported by responsible innovation, where intellectual property is protected, creators' rights are respected and the long-term sustainability of the industry remains a priority," he says.
Meanwhile, MDEC chairman Ganesh Kumar Bangah highlights that AI has changed the way that video games are developed during his opening speech.
"AI can help us improve productivity, accelerate development and manage costs. But it is how we combine these technologies with human creativity that will determine our competitiveness.
"This is also why MDEC is looking at how initiatives such as the National AI Compute Exchange, or NACX, could help support the industry's transition," he says. The NACX is an initiative that pools AI computing power and demand to provide easier and more affordable access.
"As AI becomes increasingly integrated into game development, access to computing capabilities will become an important consideration for studios, particularly smaller developers.
"We want to explore how improved access to these resources could help Malaysian studios innovate, develop games more efficiently and compete internationally," he says.
