How MLBB is spearheading the revolution

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, MOONTON Games‘ popular MOBA, is currently having the most impact in mobile esports. The presence of the title in the esports world brings the mobile platform a more mainstream face value. Mobile esports, though already established, still have a long way to go. Titles like MLBB are carrying the possibilities in many high-potential regions, including Singapore. MLBB conducting Singapore’s only esports league, we wanted to take an inside look at how the company is taking steps to build an ecosystem and nurture the country’s talents. For this, we spoke to Daniel Chew, Head of Esports for Singapore at MOONTON Games.

In our discussion, we primarily explored the scene inside Singapore, the country’s struggle to become an esports hub, strategic objectives, investment, and various other topics.

Singapore has earned a separate place as one of the key regions in SEA

We first asked about the regional scene for Singapore as a host country in one of the most famous leagues of MLBB esports, the Professional Leagues (MPL). While discussing his view of MLBB’s presence in Singapore as a contributor to the country’s position as a leading esports hub in Southeast Asia, he shared several thoughts.

“MLBB Professional League (MPL) Singapore is currently the country’s only professional esports league,” he said. He also mentioned that this makes MPL SG more than an esports league.

Singapore has managed to uplift its position on the international MLBB stage. Though the country is small, it has proved its qualities to be reckoned on the international stage.

“For example, our reigning champions, Team Flash, scored a top-four finish at the MLBB Mid Season Cup (MSC) during the 2024 Esports World Cup. For me, it was a proud moment that showed what Singaporean teams can achieve and the level of talent we have in the market.“

The scene from Singapore always adapts with responsibility, community importance, and ecosystem to build a solid ground for the talent, passion, and potential of Singapore’s gaming community.

MLBB aims to get closer to the Singapore community and wants to build a strong base

This season of MPL SG introduced a roving format where matches took place in three separate venues, bringing the event closer to the nationwide community. We talked about the strategic objectives behind MPL Singapore Season 9’s nationwide roving format.

“Singapore has always been an interesting region for us. Esports hasn’t always taken centre stage here. There’s still a strong focus on academics and traditional career paths, which means the overall esports culture isn’t as deeply rooted as it is in some of the neighbouring countries.” Thus, the game planned to do something that would change the scene and create more engagement.

The roving system was introduced in the previous year, and that experience gave the title the confidence to take things further. He said, “The idea is simple: we want to bring MPL Singapore closer to the community and make it more accessible to fans who may not usually get to experience professional esports up close.“

We asked him if the scenario was the same for the other markets. He admitted that it’s a significant change that gives more teams a chance to test themselves against the best and potentially break into the professional scene. But at the same time, Singapore is small, so moving things is easier here. He said that he doesn’t know about the plans for other regions.

Community teams are valuable and will benefit the overall esports ecosystem for both SG and SEA

During our interview, we were not limited to the scene in Singapore, but we wanted to know the bigger picture and MOONTON’s thoughts. So we wanted to know the role of community teams and the overall ecosystem in SEA. “By integrating them into the league, we’re creating more opportunities for aspiring players and reinforcing the foundation of the entire ecosystem. These teams bring energy, enthusiasm, fan support, and most importantly, they represent the next generation of talent,” he said.

The game is looking for an opening to join the 33rd SEA Games, proof of MLBB’s success in both getting recognition and investments. In the words of Daniel, the other regions in the SEA have clear pathways at the professional, developmental, and community levels.

He said that stronger community support will help the scene grow. “Regionally, this benefits SEA as a whole. A stronger grassroots scene means more players and more fans getting involved. MPL Singapore might be a smaller league compared to others in SEA, but we’re a key part of the bigger picture, and we take that responsibility seriously.“

The game also wants to ensure a balance between professional and grassroots-level competition. “While we’ve integrated community teams into the MPL Singapore Regular Season, the current format still maintains a clear line between grassroots and professional levels.“

Daniel also said that the title provides more access and opportunities for aspiring players, but at the same time, it’s important that it continues to protect the integrity of the professional league. “to provide more access and opportunities for aspiring players, but at the same time, it’s important that we continue to protect the integrity of the professional league.“

On the other hand, community teams only face off against the pros in the Challenger Stage. So, it keeps a balance between these two.

MOONTON will nurture young esports talent and provide them with growth opportunities

While the game wants to bring the best talents from grassroots events, it also becomes a challenge to allocate adequate opportunities. “Nurturing young esports talent is a big part of what we’re focused on. Not just within MPL Singapore, but across the wider ecosystem. We work closely with other tournaments and organisations to help shape the future of esports here.” Daniel brought up the Campus Legends Invitational last year as an example of the game’s commitment to nurturing these young talents.

Getting more engaged with the community is more important. So the game is always looking for brand collaborations to reach the bottom of local communities. MPL Singapore Talent Search is a part of such a plan.

“It’s been designed to uncover and support the next generation of esports professionals, not just on the competitive front, but across the entire ecosystem. This includes opportunities in casting, hosting, content creation, and event production.“

The game, apart from the talent search program, brings more. “We’ve also introduced the MPL SG Ambassador Programme, which will work closely with up-and-coming KOLs to grow the local community together. These iniatives are all part of a long-term commitment to building up the local scene from the ground up.“

MLBB esports in Singapore and the greater SEA region

The game is receiving a great appraisal in the SEA stage from the beginning. But, the success should be carried to the other parts of the world, and that’s what we wanted to know.

“We have already expanded beyond SEA. MLBB has built strong footholds in regions like Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA), the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), China, and Japan.” While Daniel is saying this, we know that the game has a lot of paths to cross to reach the level that the SEA region has right now.

He admits that SEA becomes the title’s home ground. We wanted to know the reasons behind the appeal here, and he pointed out a few reasons. “First, SEA is where MLBB esports began, so the esports culture already has deep roots here given our long-standing presence and passionate fanbase,” he said. “We’ve always made sure the game resonates with local audiences,” he added.

As the region is a mobile-first, accessibility is what helped MLBB spread so quickly in SEA, and it’s also what continues to fuel the passionate fanbase. Finally, while our interview was on the verge of an end, we asked about the evolution of esports in Southeast Asia, and the role MLBB will play in the future after integrating so many things into the SG stage.

“Esports in SEA has come a long way, but there’s still so much room to grow. The community here has always been passionate, and we’re starting to see more structure and support around that passion. MLBB will definitely continue playing a big role in shaping the scene,” he answered.

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