PlayStation taps Malaysia for first SEA studio, to create global gaming titles

The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia has tied up with Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SIE WWS)?to establish the first Southeast Asia studio in Malaysia next year.?SIE WWS Malaysia will offer art and animation services as part of SIE WWS activities, developing global exclusive titles for PlayStation platforms.

Jim Ryan, president and CEO of SIE said impressive talent, a vibrant game ecosystem, and?support from the government are key reasons why it decided to take its partnership with Malaysia to the next level. Meanwhile according to?Minister of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia?Gobind Singh Deo, the move is strong recognition of the country as?the heart of the games industry in this region, adding that this will create new opportunities for the local and regional game industry.

According to the press statement, Malaysia has created 149 IP titles over the past 20 years, generating RM7.6 billion revenue and an export sales of 1.3 billion, with a global reach of more than 120 countries.

?With this establishment, Malaysia will be working closely with SIE WWS to create more opportunities for the local and regional games industry. Together, we will work to uplift creative talents in Malaysia and even establish a partnership with our local educational partners. This is to ensure the accelerated growth of this industry in our country will be supported," the minister said.

Darrel Leiking, Minister of International Trade and Industry Malaysia added that the announcement is a key win for Malaysia and a testament to the nation?s efforts to attract strategic high-quality investments from international companies.

"Malaysia has all the right criteria to become the favoured investment location for international game developers. Our thriving games ecosystem and world-class talent have attracted over 60 game development studios from all over the world and we look forward to more in the future," he said.

Separately, PlayStation, which is under the purview of SIE, recently pushed out a series of ads to promote its PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro consoles, as well as its?streaming service PlayStation Now. Done by?Adam & Eve/DDB, the ads are part of PlayStation's global marketing blitz.

Last month, SIE slashed prices for PlayStation Now amidst competition in the cloud gaming space, while boosting its?game catalogue with marquee content and limited edition titles such as?Grand Theft Auto V,?God of War, and?UNCHARTED 4: A Thief?s End.

Read also: PlayStation hands MediaCom Southeast Asia duties Sony to end streaming service PlayStation Vue due to ?highly competitive? pay TV industry

(Photo courtesy: PlayStation's Facebook Page)