Build sustainable esports ecosystem to prevent talent loss, govt told

 

Regular tournaments are important as they give esports players a platform towards a stable income, said Nureddy Nursa, a well-known local e-sports player.

PETALING JAYA: Several well-known e-sports players have urged the government to strengthen the local esports ecosystem to prevent talent loss.

Nureddy Nursal, better known as “Daddy Hood” in the “Mobile Legends” game title, said Malaysia lacks the facilities to hold prestigious tournaments to help sustain a player’s career.

Acknowledging that the industry has been well funded and supported in recent years, Nureddy said the government needs to speed up its execution and channel money more efficiently.

“We don’t have an esports stadium dedicated to holding tournaments. The facilities we have now are not up to standard. You need a stadium, manpower and various production facilities to host (a prestigious tournament).

Nureddy Nursal.

“We have world-class professionals but we don’t have the right facilities,” he told FMT.

Nureddy added that regular tournaments are important as they allow esports players to chalk up sufficient amounts of playing time to stay relevant and earn a stable income.

“Indonesia has continuous tournaments. In between big international tournaments, there are smaller ones. Such a system gives players a clear direction, but Malaysia does not have this.

It is like the football industry, you need multiple cups and prizes for the players to prove themselves,” he added.

Chai Yee Fung, better known as “Mushi” in the “Dota 2” game title, agreed that regular tournaments are important. He also urged the government to establish an “esports academy”.

Chai, a bronze medallist for Malaysia in the recently concluded Hangzhou Asian Games 2023, said the academy is needed to standardise information relevant to the esports industry. It also serves as a platform to nurture talent.

“It (the academy) can raise awareness among society (about) the esports industry, and serve as a platform for esports stakeholders to identify talents and train them into various roles, such as streamers, players and managers,” he added.

He added that Malaysia was blessed with talented players, but said the government must imitate South Korea’s efforts in boosting the local esports industry’s social image.

“Everyone in South Korea knows a good (esports) player, but not everyone in Malaysia is even aware of the esports industry, let alone its players. This kind of effort can help people accept esports as a viable career.”

Meanwhile, Ahmed Faris Amir of Impact Integrated said Malaysia’s pay rates are competitive in the Southeast Asia region, except in respect of certain game titles such as “Dota 2” and “CS:GO”.

Faris, who helms an esports body associated with the youth and sports ministry, said privately owned teams overseas offer higher pay for these titles due to the maturity of their esports ecosystems and the lucrative awards available at these tournaments.

Malaysia, he said, could capitalise on available talents.

“We can leverage existing professional players and select them to represent our nation (in international tournaments or events).” - FMT