PROFESSIONAL esports gaming organisation Mineski’s recent victory over China’s LGD to win the Dota 2 Asian Championships 2018 has shown that video games have grown from a household entertainment console to a global spectacle, which can attract millions of viewers.
The Southeast Asian team defeated China in a grand final that was played in front of a sold-out crowd at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Centre in Shanghai, China. Mineski consists of five players; two of whom are Malaysians, and the other three from the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
Video games, such as Dota 2 and Counter Strike Global Offensive, have brought together the most passionate and competitive communities in the gaming world. Over the past decade, the video game scene has become more competitive and is now a multibillion-dollar industry.
According to Newzoo, the global leader in esports, games, and mobile intelligence, the global esports economy will grow US$905.6 million (RM3.51 billion), with an audience of 380 million, this year. It also estimated that the industry would reach US$1.4 billion by 2020.
Another report says the revenues generated from the video game market exceeded the US$100 billion barrier in 2016 and the industry is now three times more profitable than the movie industry worldwide.
The Asia-Pacific region, reportedly, has been known to dominate the global video game market for years. A gamers’ portal revealed that revenue from the video game market was US$43.1 billion in 2015, which was almost double the North American revenue.
There is potential in the video game industry in Malaysia. It was reported some time back that local gaming studios had a part in developing games such as Uncharted 4, Terminator Salvation and Mortal Kombat X. The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation is also optimistic of Malaysia becoming one of this region’s leading game hubs.
I believe Malaysia should invest in this industry. The idea that an average gamer could reach new heights by playing a video game is amazing.
The market is getting stronger. Many youths want to pursue a career in this field. Whether it is streaming, organising competitions or running an independent YouTube channel, students are tempted by this line of work.
Video games have evolved in the past several decades. Today’s games are incorporated with the latest technology and their impact on gamers is lasting. It’s not just about sitting and holding a console and playing a game. Strategic thinking is involved in anticipating your opponent’s next move and whether your move will end the game or you end up losing.
Youths and adults alike have developed a passion for video games. The feeling of overcoming a difficult boss, solving a difficult puzzle or even creating comical content could make one to get lost in the virtual world. We need to convince the people that video games matter.
This sector of the industry needs to be explored in a big way.
ZAFRAN ZAIRUDIN
Kuala Lumpur