'Soloz: Game Of Life' Unveils Journey Of Malaysian Esports Icon

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 (Bernama) -- Not many people believe gaming can generate a lucrative income as it is usually dismissed as a wasteful and unproductive activity. However, this perception began to shift with the rise of esports icon Muhammad Faris Zakaria.

This 32-year-old Seremban, Negeri Sembilan-born youth, better known as Soloz, proved that gaming can indeed be a viable career if approached correctly.

With an impressive record of achievements, including winning a bronze medal in esports at the 2019 SEA Games in Manila, Muhammad Faris’ journey as an esports player has been illustrated in the film ‘Soloz: Game of Life’, playing in cinemas nationwide starting today.

Directed by Syafiq Yusof, the movie takes audiences on a journey through the challenges faced by Soloz, played by Hun Haqeem, before he became a professional esports player and achieved success in the popular video game ‘Mobile Legends: Bang Bang’ (MLBB).

Eager to see how the public will react to this first-of-its-kind Malaysian film, Muhammad Faris said he hopes it will enlighten parents as well as inspire the younger generation not to neglect their studies while pursuing esports.

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“Back then when I started gaming, this activity was something most parents found hard to accept. But things are different now, more so with the release of this film.

“Maybe it (this film) will open the minds of parents and make them more understanding. They must avoid being overly strict with their children (who are into gaming) as they may become stressed… like the character Irfan in this movie who distances himself from his family,” Muhammad Faris told Bernama at the gala premiere of ‘Soloz: Game of Life’ here recently. 

 Proving that being a gamer does not preclude academic success, Muhammad Faris pursued his further studies even while participating in esports and now has a diploma in Information and Communication Technology (Networking) from Politeknik Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin. He urged youths not to hastily abandon their studies, as some of his friends did, in pursuit of gaming careers.

“(Stopping your studies) is a loss. I’m afraid I might become a reason young people today neglect their education. Through this movie (‘Soloz: Game of Life’) people will see for themselves that I continued my studies.

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“Before making any decision about becoming a gamer, I consulted my family. What we want to convey to future generations is that gaming is fine, but education and family must remain their priorities,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Syafiq, son of renowned director and Skop Productions founder Datuk Yusof Haslam, said Soloz’s ability to shift societal perceptions about gaming inspired him to adapt the esports legend’s story into a film.

“When I was offered to direct a movie depicting esports, I researched the Mobile Legends community and found Soloz’s story most interesting. He showed how a gamer can live a life (balanced in all aspects including education and religion). That’s a powerful narrative worth showcasing in a movie,” he said.

‘Soloz: Game of Life’ highlights the fierce rivalry between The Boss and the Singapore team Vengeance, teaching Soloz and his teammates lessons in friendship, sportsmanship and healthy competition, which are the foundations of success.

The film’s cast also includes Ikmal Amry, Noki K-Clique, Jaa Suzuran, Hafeez Mikail, Imran Aqil, Syafie Naswip, Nia Atasha, Ezra Kairo, Fauzi Nawawi, Lisdawati and Arash Mohamad.

-- BERNAMA