During a visit for the final preparations of the GO Malta Esports Festival, Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation Silvio Schembri announced that he will be spearheading an esports strategy to be launched early next year.
He explained that the strategy will not only look into esports but will also cater to the video gaming sector to allow this new economic niche to grow. The response so far had been overwhelming with operators in this space already looking into using the services provided by Malta to tap into European markets, Schembri said.
"In view of the success achieved in the gaming industry, earning the name as the Home for Gaming Excellence, exploring esports was a natural step and I look forward to seeing Malta providing what gamers and esports athletes are looking for", he noted.
Ivan Filletti, Head of Operations for Gaming Malta, also explained that the strategy was possible through a conjoint effort between Gaming Malta and the Secretariat that listened attentively to what the industry, operators, and gamers need.
He added that esports is not just for gamers but also the general public, hence he encouraged the public to visit the GO Malta Esports Festival, an opportunity to familiarise with this new economic niche set to grow. Gaming Malta is not only encouraging youth to play games but wants to encourage them to learn the business and grasp the job opportunities related to esports.
Lionel Gerada, Head of Events Department for the Malta Tourism Authority, said that Esports is set to attract more tourists in Malta in view that the latest NSO results showed that there was a 38% increase in the number of tourist aged between 25-44. Gerada noted that the MTA was also backing such events to help attract more tourism to Malta.
On behalf of GO Malta Esports Festival, Kersten James Chircop said that the festival will attract over 350 participants coming from 10 different countries. The aim of the event is to bridge local esports events and help the local talent to grow by networking with international players establishing themselves in this sector.
The GO Malta Esports Festival continued to expand over the past 6 years which is reflected in the size of the venue. The competition will be hosted over 2,500 square metres at MFCC Ta' Qali and will take place between the 7 and 9 December.