LEVEL UP KL 2025 CEMENTS MALAYSIA’S STATUS AS SOUTHEAST ASIA’S CREATIVE GAMES HUB

The Ministry of Digital successfully concluded LEVEL UP KL 2025, Southeast Asia’s premier digital games developers conference, held from 6–8 October at Connexion Conference & Event Centre (CCEC), Bangsar South.

Organised by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, an agency under the Ministry of Digital, LEVEL UP KL 2025 saw a record turnout of over 2,500 participants from more than 20 countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, the US, UK, and Brazil. The event brought together developers, publishers, investors, and tech leaders-reinforcing Malaysia’s rise as Southeast Asia’s digital games hub with growing global influence.

Now in its 11th edition, LEVEL UP KL is a catalyst for Southeast Asia’s digital games industry. By showcasing Malaysia’s creativity and connecting regional talent to global markets, the event strengthens the nation’s position as a launchpad for innovation and international success.

LEVEL UP KL 2025 also celebrated the global success of Malaysian studios, spotlighting their achievements on the international stage:

1. Les’ Copaque Production, in collaboration with Streamline Studios, launched Upin & Ipin Universe and brought Malaysian heritage to global audiences through immersive digital experiences
2. Passion Republic Games’ Gigabash, first showcased at LEVEL UP KL, gained international acclaim through its global release and Ultraman crossover.
3. Metronomik Studio’s collaboration with Japan’s Shueisha Games for No Straight Roads 2, a follow-up to their acclaimed debut title, continues to showcase Malaysia’s creative excellence on the global stage.
4. Magnus Games Studio, creators of Re:Legend, are also collaborating with Shueisha Games on a new original global IP titled Project Survival.

These success stories reflect Malaysia’s creative edge, the synergy between local and international studios, and the growing global confidence in our homegrown talent, underscoring LEVEL UP KL’s role in propelling regional creativity onto the world stage.

The three-day event featured a dynamic programme designed to foster industry growth and cross-border collaboration:

1. RM150 million in export opportunities.
2. 70 global exhibitors showcased over 40 cutting-edge games from Southeast Asia’s top talent.
3. Business Connection Programme: Facilitated over 350 targeted B2B meetings.
4. SEA Game Awards: Celebrated excellence in game design, storytelling, and innovation. The Grand Jury Award winner for 2025 went to Troublemaker 2: Beyond Dream from Indonesia, by Gamecom Team.
5. Pitch Day: Connected indie developers with global publishers and investors.

As Malaysia prepares to conclude its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, LEVEL UP KL stands as a powerful emblem of the nation’s global digital ambition. By connecting Southeast Asia’s vibrant talent pool with international markets and celebrating regional creativity, the event reinforces Malaysia’s leadership in shaping the future of interactive entertainment.

The success of LEVEL UP KL is a testament to Malaysia’s growing influence in the global digital games industry. It highlights Southeast Asia’s creative talent, connects regional developers to international markets, and reflects a thriving ecosystem where innovation thrives, creativity flourishes, and Malaysian talent leads with confidence on the world stage.

- END -