In a puzzling move, Xbox is providing subtitle and closed captioning for its Xbox + Bethesda Showcase last Sunday, and the extended version featuring more developer interviews, in Malay.
On YouTube, open the subtitles and then on options, switch the language option to Malay. This is one of the 31 subtitle language options available.
What makes it weird is that the Malay language is predominantly used in Malaysia. One of many countries where Xbox does not have official support.
You cannot buy an officially sold Xbox over here (without getting an import unit), Xbox Game Pass is not available in the country (unless you jump through some hoops via region-switching) yet Malaysians can watch the admittedly good showing of an E3 showcase with Malay subtitle on.
Though to be fair, Microsoft does have a small presence by way of PC. All Xbox first-party games that are on PC can be bought in Malaysia via the Microsoft Store and Steam.
Microsoft recently renamed its Singapore’s Facebook page to Xbox SEA, posting content in various languages including Malay. And also recently confirmed that they are not going to sell Xbox in Southeast Asia outside of Singapore for the time being.
The subtitling job is excellent work, so props to the team to make that happen and make us visible. For the most part, it’s accurate to follow along.
But also, why are you catering to an audience that can’t buy most of the stuff you’re selling officially?