02.05.19
6
INNOVATION
THE government is commit-
ted to expanding local video
gaming sector from a paltry
0.1% of the total gross do-
mestic product (GDP) to 1%
in 10 years' time, parliamen-
tary secretary for digital in-
novation Silvio Schembri has
vowed.
Schembri this week visited
the headquarters of Exient,
developers of popular games
such as Angry Birds and For-
mula 1.
He reiterated the govern-
ment's intent to shape Malta
into a video game develop-
ment destination.
There are 15 video game
companies currently operat-
ing in Malta, collectively em-
ploying about 200 employees.
The government's commit-
ment is expected to generate
up to 2,500 new opportunities
in this sector, Schembri said.
He acknowledged that game
developers need industry-led,
sector-specific expertise and
support to be able to grow.
"Government is fully com-
mitted to expanding this
industry further and push
Malta's name to the forefront
within the global community."
Schembri announced that
the Cabinet had recently ap-
proved Malta's eSports and
Video Game Development
Strategy, which will be pub-
Government set to boost local video
Cabinet approves
Malta's eSports
and Video Game
Development
Strategy, forecasting
2,500 jobs
LIAM CARTER
There are 15 video game
companies currently
operating in Malta,
collectively employing
about 200 employees;
the government's
commitment is expected
to generate up to 2,500
new opportunities
