Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1208016
06.02.2020 4 NEWS NARC Game Studios, founded by ex- perienced gaming professionals in Feb- ruary 2016, have inaugurated their new headquarters, revealing plans to em- ploy 150 staff over the next three years. CEO and founder Thorolfur Beck said the aim was for NARC to become a powerhouse in the gaming industry, to push the envelope and shift para- digms. And Malta has proven to be just the right base for the task. "Malta possesses a range of qualities very well suited for an internet-based video game company like ours: robust and modern technical infrastructure, liberal regulatory framework, afforda- ble housing and relatively low cost of living - and a fair tax system," he said. "A huge factor in our choosing Mal- ta was the reception we got from the Maltese government - from our very first scouting mission, until this day, we have received invaluable advice and assistance, especially from Mal- taEnterprise and Gaming Malta. The entire games industry has been in- credibly welcoming; we have found no competitors in Malta, only friends and allies. We are grateful and we are here to stay." Minister for Economy, Investment and Small Businesses Silvio Schembri, present for the inauguration, said the government was excited to explorate and sustain such a dynamic, new eco- nomic niche as digital gaming. "I am proud to form part of a gov- ernment, one of the very few in the world to date, which endorses the vid- eo game industry at a governmental level," Schembri said. "Our message is hitting the high notes, especially with companies such as NARC which are consistenly choos- ing Malta as their headquarters. The video game family in Malta is set to grow and we are wholly committed to provide the necessary tools to flourish in our vibrant ecosystem." He thanked Malta Enterprise which was instrumental in guiding NARC through its start-up incentives that also cater for the digital games indus- try as well as Gaming Malta for assist- ing NARC in reaching this landmark.. Parliamentary Secretary Clayton Bartolo reiterated the government's commitment to develop a govern- ment-funded incubator space, built on targeted sector-related initiatives, to help stimulate further growth for key stakeholders like NARC. "It is this Government's commitment to increase participation in key events to further expand the video game de- velopment ecosystem," he said. "This is underpinned by educational efforts in our digital gaming school curric- ulum that will ensure sustainable growth of the industry." NARC is currently developing an ambitious online game which is prom- ising player immersion and which it says could generate revenues for dec- ades. NARC Game Studios inaugurate new HQ On top of a €1.4 million investment over two years, the company plans to employ 150 staff over three years Parliamentary Secretary Clayton Bartolo (centre) and Minister Silvio Schembri (right) touring the new NARC offices HSBC Malta Foundation further con- solidated its support for Nature Trust – Foundation for Environmental Ed- ucation FEE Malta's EkoSkola pro- gramme by committing €10,000 to- wards the initiative. In line with its commitment to active- ly promote education for sustainable development, the Foundation donated another €13,000 for the Water Explor- er programme and various water pro- jects carried out in schools. Besides the Water Explorer Pro- gramme and the HSBC Water Pro- gramme Scheme, the HSBC Malta Foundation's contribution supports the Young Reporters for the Environ- ment Programme (YRE) - an interna- tional programme, including the YRE Award Ceremony. is programme encourages students to conduct jour- nalistic investigations about environ- mental issues and then report it to the local community via articles, photos and video clips. Other initiatives covered by the Foundation's donations include Eco- School 9th Young People's Summit, the 14th EkoSkola Parliament Session as well as the Learning About Forests Programme (LEAF) - an international outdoor learning programme promot- ing awareness and knowledge about the key role forests play for sustainable life on our planet and whether that role is being compromised by the way of life we lead. "HSBC Malta has been investing in EkoSkola for over 12 years because we believe that the future of our environ- ment requires a mindset change that can be brought about by new genera- tions of citizens choosing to live a more sustainable lifestyle than previous gen- erations. rough a set of interrelated actions, EkoSkola programme helps young people to understand and ap- preciate the opportunity and respon- sibility that they have to bring about the needed change through simple, yet practical everyday acts," said HSBC Malta's CEO Andrew Beane in his ad- dress during the summit. Vincent Attard, President of Nature Trust Malta, said: "EkoSkola inspires young people to actively engage in their environment by encouraging them to actively protect it. From the class- room, the programme expands to the entire school and eventually nurtures change in the community at large. e EkoSkola programme is an ideal way for schools and students to embark on a meaningful journey towards improv- ing the environment in both the school and the locality." HSBC Malta Foundation strengthens support for EkoSkola HSBC Malta Foundation committing €23,000 for the EkoSkola programme