Made In Malaysia: Epic Video Games From Our Own Backyard
Malaysian pride!
By Syazwan Bahri - 09 Jan 2024, 04:07 AM
Cover image via RDNE Stock project/Pexels & Phearak Chamrien/Pexels & Katana Rama/Steam & Persona Theory GamesThe video game industry is experiencing burgeoning growth, especially in Malaysia
In the 1990s, Malaysia took its first steps into the video game industry. It all began in 1994 when Motion Pixel, a modest Malaysian studio, teamed up with LucasArts and JVC for the development of the game Ghoul Patrol. This collaboration marked a turning point, sparking Malaysia's genuine interest and involvement in the video game industry.
In fact, Malaysia boasts some of the world's best video game development studios today, such as Metronomik, Magnus Games Studio, Streamline Studios, and more.
Nowadays, you can find Malaysian-made video games all over the Internet
For example, a Malaysian rhythm game called A Dance of Fire and Ice by 7th Beat Games gained traction for its simple yet challenging gameplay. It caught the attention of players and content creators worldwide, triggering an avalanche of user-generated content on social media platforms, further boosting its popularity.
Check out a TikTok video of the game below:
Many internationally renowned titles online have been developed in Malaysia; you just need to know where to find them.
Did you know that there are at least 80 Malaysian-made games on Steam?
Steam, the world's most popular gaming client, hosts over 80 games developed by talented Malaysians. Recent research by Virtual SEA reveals that the Southeast Asian region is growing rapidly in terms of video game development.
Indonesia leads the charts, offering hit titles such as Coffee Talk, A Space for the Unbound, Troublemaker, and more. Thailand and Singapore are neck-and-neck with 158 and 134 video games on Steam, respectively.
With 80 video games on Steam, Malaysia ranks just below the Philippines, which is no small feat.
Here are some of the best locally developed video games on Steam:
1. Fires at Midnight
In a world where making love without being in love casues spontaneous combustion, the person you love most may be the one who burns you in Fires at Midnight — a cinematic and interactive visual novel about a couple struggling to stay together.
2. Bake 'n Switch
Bake 'n Switch is a violently cute party brawler where strange, adorable dough creatures are sacrificed to the Guardians of Dough. Work as a team or sabotage each other to punch, combine, and bake the doughs before time runs out. It's a bread-ful task, but someone's got to do it.
3. Zombie Soup
Zombie Soup is a top-down shooter combined with hack and slash action that follows Ricky, a backpacker thrown into an unexpected adventure in an unfamiliar town. Join him as he shoots and dodges his way through hordes of bizarre creatures and challenging bosses to save a kidnapped girl.
4. Katana Rama
A mobility-based, fast-paced action game where you take on the role of a hacker programme on a mission to break out of a digital security system. Lay waste to all that stands in your way.
5. Eximius: Seize the Frontline
Eximius: Seize the Frontline is a hybrid first-person shooter real-time strategy hybrid that focuses on squad-based combat. The game features an intense 5v5 multiplayer experience, with each team consisting of four Squad Officers and one Commander.
6. No Straight Roads
Start a rock band & end the EDM empire in No Straight Roads, a rockin' action-adventure that mashes together rhythm-infused third-person combat with a kick-ass soundtrack.
The Malaysian video game industry is surely amazing
Beside video games, Malaysia is also home to many iconic individuals such as Samantha Low, who was recently inducted into the prestigious The Game Awards (TGA) 2023 Future Class.
The video game industry in Malaysia is growing at a rapid pace and it is expected to further expand with support from the right stakeholders.
