LEVEL UP KL 2025 Highlights Malaysia’s Growing Role as a Global Game Development Hub

The Ministry of Digital, through the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), has successfully wrapped up LEVEL UP KL 2025, Southeast Asia’s largest and most influential digital games developers conference. Held from 6 to 8 October at Connexion Conference & Event Centre (CCEC), Bangsar South, this year’s edition recorded over 2,500 participants from more than 20 countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, the US, the UK, and Brazil — marking its biggest turnout to date. The event brought together developers, publishers, investors, and technology leaders, further reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a regional hub for game development and digital creativity.

Now in its 11th year, LEVEL UP KL has evolved into a major platform that connects Southeast Asia’s gaming talent with the global market. What began as a regional gathering has transformed into a launchpad for innovation, enabling local studios to collaborate, showcase new ideas, and attract international attention. The conference’s success continues to highlight Malaysia’s growing role as a creative powerhouse in the global digital entertainment ecosystem.

This year’s event also celebrated several standout success stories from Malaysian studios making waves internationally. Les’ Copaque Production, in partnership with Streamline Studios, unveiled Upin & Ipin Universe, bringing Malaysia’s most iconic animated characters into immersive digital worlds. Passion Republic Games, the team behind Gigabash, returned to LEVEL UP KL after its international breakout — the game first showcased at the conference before its global release and Ultraman crossover. Meanwhile, Metronomik Studio, creators of No Straight Roads, announced a collaboration with Japan’s Shueisha Games for No Straight Roads 2, further establishing Malaysia’s creative credibility abroad. Magnus Games Studio, best known for Re:Legend, is also working with Shueisha Games on a new original IP titled Project Survival. Together, these projects underscore the global confidence in Malaysian developers and the creative synergy between local and international studios.

Across three days, LEVEL UP KL 2025 featured a dynamic lineup of programs designed to accelerate growth and foster cross-border collaboration. The Business Connection Programme facilitated over 350 targeted B2B meetings, while 70 exhibitors showcased more than 40 new games from Southeast Asia’s top studios. The event generated an estimated RM150 million in export opportunities and hosted the SEA Game Awards 2025, celebrating excellence in design, storytelling, and innovation. This year’s Grand Jury Award went to Troublemaker 2: Beyond Dream by Indonesia’s Gamecom Team, while Pitch Day provided indie developers direct access to global publishers and investors.

As Malaysia prepares to conclude its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, LEVEL UP KL stands as a symbol of the nation’s digital ambition and creative leadership. It reflects an ecosystem where innovation thrives, creativity flourishes, and regional collaboration drives global recognition. Beyond being a conference, LEVEL UP KL has become a testament to how Southeast Asia’s gaming community — led by Malaysia — is shaping the future of interactive entertainment and positioning the region as a formidable force in the global digital economy.