KUCHING: Once considered a time-wasting and unhealthy hobby, playing video games competitively has been recognised as a sport or electronic sports (esports) by many countries, including Malaysia in the past decade.
Esports games can easily be accessed from computers, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles with a few limitations, allowing anyone to play it anytime, thus, it is increasingly popular among the young these days.
Many play it casually for fun, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw a drastic surge of gamers globally. Some have turned their passion into a profession, playing video games full time and competing in tournaments to win prizes.
According to the Southeast Asia Game Industry Report 2021, Malaysia’s gaming market, valued at US$786 million, was the third largest in Southeast Asia. The industry continues to grow and is expected to get bigger, opening the door for more young talents to pursue their career in esports.
South Korea was among the first few countries to recognise esports in 2000 while Malaysia only officially declared it a sport in 2015. Since then, it has grown by leaps and bounds despite the continuous debates that playing video games is not a real sport.
The federal government launched the Esports Growth Strategic Plan 2020-2025, to focus on developing athletes, ethical and responsible, access to e-sports infrastructure, creating healthy esports ecosystems and regulating good laws and governance.
In addition, the national annual budget had included esports, with RM13 million allocated for the sports this year, RM20 million (Budget 2022), RM15 million (Budget 2021), RM20 (Budget 2020) and RM10 million (Budget 2019).
In Sarawak, esports remains relatively new to many people and raising awareness among the public, parents, and local authorities is going to take time.
The Ministry for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development is gearing up and intensifying efforts to educate the public about esports, changing ‘traditional ideas’ about sports, gaming, entertainment, among others.
Its Deputy Minister Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said it is crucial for society to understand the benefits and potential of esports as a legitimate sporting and entertainment pursuit for the industry to grow further.
“It is still sounds somehow ‘unfamiliar’ here when we say that playing video games is now a sport or professional gamers are actually athletes too,” he told New Sarawak Tribune recently.
“So, we have been working closely with Sarawak Sports Corporation, Sarawak E-sports Association (SESA) and educational institutions to conduct awareness programmes as well as various esports events – to allow the public to gain some insights or even experience gaming themselves,” he said.
“We need to boost the acceptance and confidence of the public towards esports in order to convince more stakeholders to venture into the industry,” he added.
Local gaming scene in Sarawak
Although there are many perceptions about esports, Rentap is glad that some gaming communities have begun forming throughout Sarawak, with players, teams, and enthusiasts coming together to share their passion and interest in esports.
With backing from the government, Sarawak had hosted numerous local esports tournaments and events, catering to various games and attracting players from the region which helped in nurturing talent and fostering a competitive gaming community.
These events, he said, provided opportunities for players to showcase their skills and gain exposure. Furthermore, athletes were given chances to travel to different states for further exposure.
The ministry is also giving grants for programmes such as ‘talent scouting’ from the grassroots level, game development and production and many more.
Meanwhile, some private companies and sponsors are starting to show interest in supporting esports events and players in Sarawak.
“The esports scene in Sarawak is progressing positively… nevertheless, it is essential to understand that the industry is continuously evolving,” he said.
Hence, the Sarawak government will continue to expand its support by providing the necessary infrastructures such as gaming centres, supporting esports events, including skill development and training programmes to encourage young talents to pursue careers in the industry or related fields.
“We also welcome private companies or organisations to boost investments in the esports ecosystem. Such partnerships can lead to more substantial sponsorships and financial support for the industry,” he said.
Inclusivity in e-sports
Rentap is aware of the challenges faced by the rural community and the B40 group in esports, including access to high-speed internet connectivity as well as other devices such as smartphones, computers and video game consoles.
However, he assured that the disadvantaged groups in Sarawak will not be left behind as the government is committed to addressing various issues that arise.
“We recognise esports as one of the fastest growing industries and a means of youth engagement, thus, my ministry will work with stakeholders – to reach out to the young people in the rural areas and let them experience and enjoy esports together,” he said.
“We will ensure equal opportunity and social development for all the children and youth in Sarawak,” he added.
Moving forward, Rentap said, his ministry is looking into building an esports hub or stadium which can host world-class esports tournaments in the region.
In addition, the state government will be working on establishing regulations and policies that support the growth of esports in Sarawak and provide a conducive environment for businesses and players, which would include measures to protect players’ rights and ensure fair competition.
“My foremost wish is to ensure that esports becomes an inclusive and accessible activity for all youth, regardless of their background, location or socio-economic status.
“I envision a future where esports is recognised as a legitimate and respected sport on par with traditional sports,” he added.
Sarawak’s achievements in e-sports
Sarawak has successfully nurtured its very own talents representing the state and the country in esports events, including six athletes from the state, who won a bronze medal in the ‘Let’s Comeback E-sports Tournament’ in Sabah last year.
Three Sarawakians namely Ibnu Qaldoon Mohamad Sukor, Alvin Lim Ming Siang, Mohamad Nabil Nazaruddin were among those representing the country in the SEA Games 2022 in Hanoi, where the Malaysian esports contingent brought home three bronze medals.
Last year, Nadrah Saufi, from Sibu, made headlines after becoming the first Sarawakian female athlete to win gold at the Commonwealth E-sports Championships 2022 in Birmingham.
Sarawak also won a bronze medal in the Dota 2 category in the esports competition in Sukma XX last year while Team Thanks made Sarawak proud when they edged Selangor 3-2 in the final to win the Dota 2 title of the Malaysia E-sports League 2021 Nationals.
With esports to be contested as a competitive sport in the 21st edition of Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Sarawak next year, the ministry is committed to ensure athletes will be given enough exposure, training and avenue to enhance their competitiveness.
Overall, Rentap said, the level of interest in e-sports within Sarawak with a small population might have its challenges but that the growth trajectory is positive.
“With increasing interest, investment and support, esports is becoming an exciting and thriving part of the community’s cultural and sporting landscape,” he added.
