Now in its 12th edition, LEVEL UP KL continues to cement its position as one of Southeast Asia’s leading video game industry events. Held at Connexion Conference & Event Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the conference brings together developers, publishers, and leaders from the industry to connect and explore the latest trends shaping the games market in Malaysia and beyond. As a long-time participant, Niko Partners was especially proud to join this year’s event as LEVEL UP KL’s Knowledge Partner, giving us a chance to showcase insights into video game markets in Southeast Asia.
On day one of the conference, Darang Candra, Director of Southeast Asia and East Asia Research, took the stage to present ‘Video Games Market Trends in Southeast Asia and Beyond in 2026’. Drawing on Niko’s Southeast Asia Player Behavior & Market Insights Reports, the session explored trends, emerging technologies, and industry outlooks across the region, while also presenting insights into the Malaysian market, including key findings from our bulletin with Moonton about the impact of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang in the country.
Over three days, we attended panels and sessions with a multitude of topics from indie game marketing to video games funding. We also saw the SEA Game Awards Show, which highlights latest developments and successful game titles from the region.
Beyond the conference sessions, Niko Partners’ team connected with industry stakeholders at our exhibition booth. There is strong demand for trusted market intelligence as companies navigate opportunities across changing player preferences and regulator approaches in the region. We also noted the increased presence of higher education institutions in the event, with a significant chunk of the auditorium hosting Malaysian entities that help build talent pools for the country’s games industry. The conversations throughout the event demonstrated the enthusiasm and hopeful outlook driving the region’s video game industry.
The LEVEL UP KL 2026 expo also featured a broad mix of exhibitors, ranging from student teams to emerging indie developers, SEA Game Awards finalists, and established companies (e.g., Electronic Arts, Bandai Namco, PlayStation, Virtuos, and Larian Studios). The academic showcase included a total of 12 institutions, including Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation, Management & Science University, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, University of Wollongong Malaysia, and Universiti Teknologi MARA, connecting student talent with the wider video game industry. Meanwhile, developers, including Streamline Studios, Passion Republic, and Glow Production were also represented, alongside regional organizations such as Game AiCon Seoul and the Hong Kong Game Developer Alliance.
Dive deep into the market through our SEA-6 Games Market Reports, or get regular pulse check on the region through Niko’s Value-Added News Analysis (VANA). We also offer custom research and consulting services designed to address your specific questions and support strategic decision-making.