The Malaysian gaming scene is booming like never before in 2025, with a projected market size of US$1.43 billion and an 85% gamer penetration rate. Not only are these stats impressive, but they also go to show how gaming is now a central part of entertainment in the country. The fuel behind this massive growth isn’t just new technology, but also a shift in who is playing, how they’re playing, and what’s hot in Malaysia’s gaming realm.
Stay Ahead of The Curve
With gaming becoming more and more complicated and immersive, it’s important for players to make informed choices. Casino expert, Wilna van Wyk highlights in her CasinoBeats Malaysia insights that more operators have become available as gambling gains popularity. Which is why the best often have to make sure they stand out.
The best way to spot a good betting platform is if it offers rather generous bonuses, a wide range of payment options, and secure transaction processing. With so many options out there, having a trusted source of information can make a big difference. Whether it’s exploring new titles, understanding the mechanics of social and skill-based games, or finding secure platforms to play on.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
The gaming market is moving at a steady pace in the country, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%. This figure is made up of a highly connected and young population. In fact, 100% of Malaysians under the age of 20 engage in some form of gaming, which means it’s a universal activity among the youth.
It’s also rather important to note that there’s a strong rise in female participation, breaking past the stereotype that gaming is a male-dominated space. The population is also increasingly tech-savvy, adopting new gaming technologies and platforms faster than ever before. Things such as cloud gaming services, virtual reality headsets, and cross-platform multiplayer systems form part of this trend. They reflect a broader shift in the Malaysian lifestyle, where digital entertainment is not just a pastime but an unavoidable part of daily life.
Where The People Are Mainly Gaming
Unfortunately, there is no excitement in knowing exactly where most gaming occurs throughout the day. Mobile gaming is undeniably leading the way, making up about 70% of all gaming revenue in the country. Smartphones are easily accessible and always within reach, which makes them the preferred choice for casual and frequent gamers alike.
However, PC and console gaming still hold strong because they have more advanced graphics and deeper gameplay experiences, and are preferred for genres like first-person shooters and racing simulators. For genres like first-person shooters and large-scale role-playing games, Windows PCs and PlayStation remain popular, especially among more dedicated gaming communities.
Another point worth mentioning is that cloud gaming and metaverse integration are set to become major players in the Malaysian market. We’re looking at a value of US$122.9 million for metaverse gaming because these platforms promise richer, more immersive experiences without the need for expensive hardware.
Favorite Game Genres and Titles
In terms of preferences, action games such as Mobile Legends and PUBG Mobile are hugely popular among younger players. Meanwhile, casual and puzzle games like Candy Crush Saga and Brain Test attract an older demographic, particularly those aged 30 and above. Strategy games like Clash of Clans continue to maintain a strong following, due to their mix of planning and real-time action.
When it comes to spending, action/adventure and racing games are at the forefront of in-game purchases. This shows that players are willing to invest in titles that offer excitement and progression.
Gaming Frequency and Engagement
Malaysians are not just playing more games, but are also spending more of their free time to gaming, often at the expense of other activities. About 44% of those aged 16 to 24 play online games daily, a figure that highlights just how embedded gaming is in their daily routine. Moreover, 38% of the population spends over 16 hours a week gaming on their smartphones…it’s slowly but surely getting out of hand.
What’s to Come Next
More people will be hopping on the gaming trend, and hopefully, more Malaysian games will become accessible worldwide. With mobile games still dominating, female gamers on the rise, and best of the best platforms like cloud and metaverse gaming gaining ground, the future looks promising.