While Malaysia offers so much to see and experience, regardless if you’re a resident or a tourist, sometimes, you just need some alone time with your screen. Whether it’s too hot outside (it is a tropical climate, after all), if you’re waiting for something or someone, or if you’re just too tired, you will crave some quick entertainment. The simplest way to get this entertainment on-demand is to whip out your phone and find a suitable game. Still, which game should you choose when there are so many available?
Best Games to Play Online in Malaysia
Here are a few choices that have been especially popular in Malaysia in the last couple of years; perhaps you’ll find something you like on this list.
1. Solitaire
You would be surprised to learn just how many people in Malaysia still play solitaire. While even modern operating systems have this game by default, in today’s day and age, it’s a lot easier just to find where you can play it for free online. Availability is a huge factor in the popularity of this game, and it’s something that we’ll address several times on our list.
One of the main reasons why people play solitaire is out of nostalgia. This game was a huge hit on early computer systems like Windows 95/98. Since many millennials started on these systems, this game (and other games in this category) hold a special place in their hearts.
The best thing about this game is that it’s a simple pastime. It’s fun, and it doesn’t take you more than a minute or two to understand the rules (even though you’re likely already familiar with the game). At the same time, simple as it may be, it requires tremendous focus and concentration.
2. Casino Games
The category of iGaming is incredibly popular in Malaysia, with almost 30% of surveyed residents partaking in at least some form of betting. While online slots are incredibly particular here, you don’t have to limit yourself to these. You can always play table games like Dragon Tiger 2, Thai Fish Prawn Crab, or classics like baccarat or blackjack.
While it’s illegal to operate a betting platform both in retail shops and online in Malaysia, if a site's server is outside of Malaysia, it is completely legal for the site to accept these players, allowing residents of this country to partake in some of these games.
With the rapid growth of the iGaming industry both in Malaysia and around the world, some people are also worried about cybersecurity. However, the quest to find a list of trusted sites in Malaysia is simple—due to the nature of the iGaming industry and the fact that people use their assets and leave financial information, credible sites have considerably upped their security. Nowadays, there are plenty of platforms offering a safe and fun environment for players in Malaysia to access casino games online.
3. Roblox
In Roblox, you can choose between a thousand games you like and even make your own games. Simplistic graphics and incredible customizability (similar to that of games like Minecraft or Garry’s Mod) allow you to create your games. This ensures that Roblox has one of the strongest role-playing and simulation communities online.
People see Roblox as a game rather than a platform, mostly due to its interface. Instead of a regular menu, Roblox has a virtual waiting room, where you can move with your avatar and, instead of clicking icons, you walk through doors into virtual rooms.
Other than just playing a game, this is also a great opportunity for socializing with others. These waiting rooms, therefore, have a dual function, one being their original design and the other being a substitute for a social club.
Many people spend more time choosing shoes for their avatars than browsing for own their footwear. Once you get started, you’ll be fascinated by how hard it is to quit and return to the real world.
4. FIFA 23
Malaysians are obsessed with football, and this popularity has only increased since the 2023 Super League of Malaysia became an 18-team competition instead of 12 (although for various reasons, there were 14 teams in the league in the end). Therefore, it’s hardly surprising that FIFA 2023 is incredibly popular in this country.
One downside of this game is that you cannot play it on your phone. Therefore, you need to have either a PC or a console with access to the internet (which qualifies it as an online game). Soccer fans are especially interested in this video game franchise due to its realism and authenticity. While some may argue about certain player scores, for the most part, everything is portrayed as accurately as possible.
Moreover, multiplayer and social interactions add another important dimension to the game, which is as important in Malaysia as it is anywhere else.
5. Online Chess
The 2020 lockdowns and the release of The Queen’s Gambit created a perfect storm for the popularization of chess in Malaysia. Via sites like Chess.com and Lichess, chess has never been more accessible than ever.
Just think about being a chess enthusiast 20-50 years ago (or any time before that). You were extremely lucky if you lived near a chess park or if just one of your friends or neighbours shared your passion for chess. Today, you only need to download an app or enter a site via your browser and you’ll have thousands of possible opponents.
6. Restaurant Games
Lately, culinary schools in Malaysia introduced the trend where you can play restaurant games for free. The reason why this is so amazing is because it does more than just provide entertainment. It actively gamifies the learning experience regarding one of the most overlooked aspects of running a restaurant - logistics and time management.
The way these restaurant games work is fairly simple - you get a restaurant space with limited tables. You have an influx of guests, take orders, memorize the order for each table, and try to increase your accuracy and provide a timely response. In other words, this eerily reminds players of running an actual restaurant (albeit in a bit oversimplified manner).
Gamifying the learning experience is one of the most efficient ways to increase immersion and adoption of new knowledge; just don’t overlook just how fun and popular these games are.
7. Candy Crush Saga
It’s hard to imagine finding a game more addictive than Candy Crush. The game is so simple to grasp and provides instant gratification (everything from the visuals to the sound of crushing candy was engineered to cause a serotonin release).
The reward system makes you crave more, but a gradual increase in difficulty makes the game interesting indefinitely. You’re never done, there’s always something more to do, and it’s a great game that you can play for either two minutes or six hours straight.
Because you have limited lives and wait times, it’s unlikely that your passion for the game will burn out anytime soon.
8. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
No list would be complete without at least one mobile MOBA (massive online battle arena) game, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is a game that’s played in Malaysia the most.
Because so many people already have experience with games like League of Legends and Dota, mastering this game is really simple. You already understand the basic concepts like laning, jungling, pushing, and team fighting, and even all the mechanics (spells, ultimates, auto-attacking, last-hitting, and item building) are familiar.
Even the interface is familiar, and all you have to do is try to get accustomed to those unique aspects of the game. We’re talking about build orders, playable heroes, and more.
Like with any MOBA, there’s always an element of toxicity, flawed matchmaking, and people AFK-ing, causing you to lose an already-won game. Still, you won’t find anything like it in terms of sheer entertainment.
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