Level Up KL is now a known staple to the gaming industry in Southeast Asia, being the premier game developer convention hosting talks, networking sessions, and the annual SEA Game Jam. Beginning this year, organizers MDEC is bringing something more player-focused to its stable of events: Level Up KL Play.
The inaugural game conference, with the aim to be Malaysia’s “Ultimate Game Conference”, has a lot in store for attendees, open to the public. You will need to purchase a ticket for entry, mind, but it’s cheap.
Here’s what’s in store for you when you go to the KLCC Convention Centre on November 9-10th.
Major Games, Made In Malaysia
Malaysia has a budding game industry, and we are now seeing a new wave of locally-made games. Expect to see major titles like Re:Legend by Magnus Game Studios and Metronomik’s No Straight Roads to be playable on the show floor.
Not only that, there’s a few other locally-made currently in development that you may not have heard yet. Streamline Games, the folks that did Nightstream, is showing their new co-op cooking game Bake N’ Switch. Passion Republic, mostly known as external contractors that did work in games like Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, is going to show their new IP Gigabash, which is essentially a kaiju brawler you always wanted
Simulacra 2, the direct sequel to hit lost-phone thriller by Kaigan Games, will be showcased. Ammobox Studio’s Eximus will also be playable. And if you’re a fan of Ejen Ali, expect something from that too.
There are also other games on showcase, like the Marvel-themed MOBA Marvel Super War developed by NetEase.
Esports Galore
Level Up KL is also embracing the growing market of esports, with various tournaments to be held on the show floor. The Predator Gaming League Malaysian qualifiers for Dota 2 will be held there. The Fighting Game Community gets a spot with a tournament for Tekken 7. Axis Esports will have tournaments for various games including Mobile Legends, PUBG Mobile, Arena Of Valor and Call Of Duty. Gamesbond will be on deck handling tournaments for FIFA 20 and CS:GO.
Level Up KL Play 2019 will also see the official flag-off for the Malaysian contingent competing in esports for the 2019 SEA Games happening in the Philippines.
There’s something for any kind of competitive game enthusiast to cheer and watch.
Your Usual ACG Flair
When it comes to cons in Malaysia, the most popular ones are of the ACG (Anime, Comics, Game) variety. With Comic Fiesta involved with organising Level Up KL Play 2019, expect those subculture mainstays to be part of the event. From cosplay showcases to concerts (which is by the Video Game Orchestra, making their first stop ever in Malaysia), people of culture should feel like home. Especially since the convention center has been home to many Comic Fiestas before this.
Streamers, cosplayers, and influencers will be attending the conference available for meet and greets. Check out the list here.
Hasbro will also be present, offering various toys and goodies.
How To Get In The Games Industry
If you’ve passionate about games you probably might have considered getting a job to make one. Whether you’re a student still or an adult, there’s a showcase of career and education opportunities that can lead your way to your dream job. Educational institutions like KDU, The One Academy, Clazroom College, and Undo Academy will have booths, while developer studios like Lemon Sky Studios and Bandai Namco will have recruitment drives on location.
Even if you’re not actively pursuing such tracks, it should be a nice avenue to see how someone can get into the industry, a knowledge that should be spread.
Tickets For Level Up KL Play 2019
Level Up KL Play 2019 is open to the public, though it has an entry fee. One-day tickets are available for RM10, Early bird 2-day tickets are also available here. This package includes an LTE Unifi Data SIM Card with one month of unlimited downloads.
Video Game Orchestra is a separate event with a different price for tickets, more information on that can be found here.