M’sian Gamers May See Stricter Guidelines on Gachas, Loot Boxes & More Under Proposed Gaming Subcode

If you or your kids are avid gamers, big changes might be coming to how online games operate in Malaysia!

The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF) in Cyberjaya has officially launched a 45-day national public consultation on a proposed Gaming Sub-Code. Running until October 24, the initiative aims to establish specialised standards for developers, publishers, and platforms operating in the country.

Stricter guidelines for loot boxes, gacha, & in-game spending

With in-game purchases and randomised chance mechanics becoming standard practice, CMCF hopes to bring transparency to how spending is presented, especially to younger players.

The proposed sub-code addresses several critical areas:

• Age classification and age assurance

• Accessible parental controls and safety features

• Clearer displays for in-game purchases and virtual currencies

• Transparency regarding loot boxes and gacha draw probabilities

• Cyberbullying, harassment, user-generated content moderation, and esports safeguards for youth

“A child today can spend real money, interact with strangers, encounter persuasive design, and compete globally without ever leaving a game,” CMCF stated.

“As online gaming becomes an essential part of daily digital life, we invite Malaysians to help shape these new standards.”

Industry giants & child safety groups join forces

CMCF Chairman Datuk Rafiq Razali emphasised that practical standards cannot be built without understanding how games operate.

To achieve this, CMCF formed a working group featuring global tech giants, including Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MOONTON Games), PUBG Mobile, Honor of Kings, Roblox, Xbox, PlayStation, Google Play Store, and Minecraft, alongside child safety organisations like SUHAKAM and Protect and Save the Children.

Highlighting the importance of early intervention, Ahmed Faris bin Amir, CEO of Impact Integrated, noted:

“Malaysia’s esports ecosystem is growing quickly. It makes sense to put clearer safeguards in place now while the sector is evolving, rather than waiting for poor practices to become entrenched.”

Malaysians invited to give feedback or request town halls

Esports educator Andrew Cheong (Sir Cloud) added that clearer information on virtual currencies will help both players and parents make better financial choices.

Malaysians can review the draft and submit feedback before October 24, 2026. Interested organisations can also contact CMCF to arrange dedicated town hall sessions for a detailed walkthrough.

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