Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1162794
05.09.19 15 ANALYSIS PARLIAMENTARY Secretary for Fi- nancial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation Silvio Schembri officially launched Playconm Malta's first Games Development and Esports Expo, this week, Schembri said Playcon is yet anoth- er new initiative that the Secretariat is supporting to continue to innovate and propel our digital economy. "is event will be an add-on to the DELTA Summit and part of the Malta Tech Week. Playcon will not only be a showcase of games and esports but it will also include education-related initiatives aimed to inform and edu- cate children, young people and adults about these new emergent industries and the exciting opportunities they hold," he said. "is is not the only initiative that we are supporting this year so I reiterate my full support to this industry. Let's continue working together towards achieving our ambitious objectives." Schembri said that following the launch of Malta's vision for the Games Development and Esports sectors, a lot of work has been done to help this industry's ecosystem move forward. Playcon is a clear example. He said the government remained committed to helping Maltese stake- holders to tap into these lucrative sec- tors which provide a myriad of oppor- tunities for those in digital arts, media, marketing and sports industries. "is is why Playcon goes hand in hand with the DELTA Summit and the Malta Tech Week in serving as an ide- al platform in our efforts to reach out to the public to understand better the benefits of new technology and the op- portunities it holds to our future gen- erations be it in their daily use, jobs and careers," he said. He also expressed his satisfaction over the success achieved in this industry by two Maltese professional esports play- ers, Kurt Fenech and Christian Spiteri, who made a name for themselves inter- nationally. Daniel Vella Gobey aka Jokerd, a Maltese gamer and streamer, had also managed to reach global new levels in World of Warcraft. "We want their experiences replicat- ed among other Maltese youths who aspire to become pros in digital sports," Schembri said. Ivan Filletti, Head of Operations and Business Development for Gaming- Malta explained that Playcon was one of the several initiatives that are being taken to implement Malta's strategy for this sector. "We believe that Malta has all the key ingredients for these industries to de- velop successfully and we are doing our utmost to boost the sectors," he said. "GamingMalta is working hard to roll out sectoral initiatives with the aim of implementing this strategy and help reach the country's objectives." Kersten Chircop for GMR Entertain- ment said that Playcon Delta Summit Edition will be held between 3 and 6t October at the MFCC Ta' Qali; consist- ing of 3,000+ sqm of expo space under one roof complimenting the DELTA Summit. "is space will be dedicated for sev- eral esports competitions of games such as FIFA 20, Clash Royale, CS:GO, Brawl Stars, Tekken 7, Rocket League and SIM Racing amongst others," Chir- chop said. "It will offer interactive game expe- riences with the use of virtual reality for all the family, promotion of games developed in Malta, the promotion of careers within the Games Develop- ment and Esports sectors, education- al sessions on the industry of Esports and a 48-hour Game Jam involving the students of Malta's leading edu- cational institutions offering game development courses and the chance for the public to meet local esports superstars." Several bootcamps are planned over the weekend where aspiring esport players can enrol for an immersive ex- perience into the esports industry. e expo will be open on ursday 3 and Friday 4 October for businesses and school students only. After that, Playcon Expo will be open for the general public, free of charge, during the weekend of Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 October. Playcon's Games Development and Esports Summit will be held on Fri- day 4th October, a thought leadership summit for all those working in these thriving industries as part of Malta Tech Week. e Summit will have the partici- pation of 40+ international and local speakers who will share their knowl- edge through keynote speeches and discussion panels. Playcon is being organized by GMR Entertainment with the support of GamingMalta and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Financial Services, Dig- ital Economy and Innovation. Malta's first esports expo launched Parliamentary secretary Silvio Schembri trying his hand at a car racing game