Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1111954
02.05.19 7 INNOVATION lished in the coming days. "As a Government, we are fully committed to seeing this industry thrive, present- ed as a pathway for future generations to pursue a ca- reer in this sector and see it fully incorporate into our already strong ecosystem," he said. "We are not looking at the cost-effectiveness element, we're looking at providing a holistic ecosystem that pays companies to operate from here." Speaking to Business To- day, Exient CEO Dave Hawkins said that there was a rise in the number of skilled professionals transi- tioning to the game develop- ment business. "We are one of the most desirable spaces to work at, game development is a fun thing to do," he said. Hawkins said the govern- ment's plans to introduce sector-specific courses at post-secondary and tertiary level were definitely a step in the right direction, adding that Malta's pool of skilled professionals was an added incentive for them to relocate to the Maltese Islands. "Talent was one of the main reasons why the company de- cided to move to Malta five years ago," he said. "What we have heard today is a step in the right direction. While I look forward to see- ing it come to fruition, I be- lieve that Malta could become something special for the gaming development sector." Founded in 2000, Exient has partnered with industry gi- ants such as Activision, Ub- isoft, Sony, and Microsoft to develop iconic video games such as FIFA, Madden, Need For Speed & The Sims. Another part of Exient's suc- cess originates from its part- nership with Rovio, develop- ing and continuing to service Angry Birds Go and Angry Birds Transformers, both ti- tles recording huge commer- cial success. video game development sector "We are not looking at the cost- effectiveness element, we're looking at providing a holistic ecosystem that pays companies to operate from here."