MPL MY Partnership Structure Boosts Long-Term Stability Of Esports Ecosystem

KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 (Bernama) -- The inaugural season of the partnership era in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Malaysia (MPL MY) has offered key lessons for the league as it seeks to further strengthen the country’s esports ecosystem.

Head of Esports Business Development Malaysia at Moonton Games, Krystal Tan, said the biggest takeaway from the new structure was learning how to work collectively with all eight partnered teams to raise the profile of MPL MY and Malaysian esports at home and abroad.

She said the partnership programme was introduced to create a healthier and more stable ecosystem, while ensuring long-term consistency in the local competitive gaming scene.

“The biggest learning for us is really working with the eight teams and how we bring the best of Malaysia, MPL MY and the country’s esports to all Malaysians and the world.

“All eight teams have been truly invested in this partnership programme,” she said during a press conference ahead of the MPL MY Season 17 playoffs at Stadium Juara here today.

Krystal said teams are still adjusting to the new partnership structure, particularly the double round-robin format, which has made competition more intense.

She said teams also recognised the league operator’s investment in production quality, venue setup and promotional efforts to further raise the visibility of participating organisations.

“The idea is really to build all eight teams. Instead of just MPL MY being strong, we need all eight teams to work together with us.

“That’s the biggest contribution from the eight teams where they see the importance of being part of this ecosystem,” she said.

On the playoffs, Krystal said this season is distinct as it is the first to feature all eight partner teams, with the CelcomDigi Dream Stage representing the ultimate destination where the best team will be crowned champion.

She said the event is also being expanded into a festival-style experience, in a move to attract not only esports fans but also the wider public.

“It’s also the first time for us to run a festival in Stadium Juara. We are expecting fans to see the other parts of esports that are meant for all Malaysians,” she said.

-- BERNAMA