As esports cements its role as a catalyst for global youth engagement, Malaysian professional gamer Muhammad 'Stormie' Danial has become a prominent voice highlighting gaming's power to bridge cultures. The mid-laner for Team SMG spoke exclusively to CGTN Sports Scene about his experiences with Chinese-developed games and aspirations to compete in China.
Stormie emphasized how Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), created by Shanghai-based Moonton in 2016, has evolved into more than just a game for Malaysian players. 'What started as competition became cultural exploration,' he said, noting how character designs and in-game story elements introduced players to Chinese folklore and art styles.
When asked about future goals, Stormie revealed plans to participate in China's domestic Mobile Legends competitions: 'Playing in stadiums where this game was born would be special—not just for the competition, but to connect with fellow players who share this passion.'
Analysts suggest games like MLBB create soft diplomatic channels, with the title boasting 100 million monthly active users across Southeast Asia. The game's developer recently announced plans to integrate augmented reality features showcasing regional cultural landmarks during tournaments.
