Malta is determined to play a central role in creative industries, Economy Minister Cardona said today. Dr Cardona was speaking at the launch of the Malta Digital Games Association.
The Association, he said, will be of benefit to developers and publishers of games in Malta and content providers for the digital games industry. Dr.Cardona explained that "Gamification" is extending game playing elements into various software and apps. This is on top of new platforms and technologies - varying from console to tablet, mobile to online - and new business models.
Dr Cardona said that Malta has achieved a good record so far and we need to keep this up. Government and energetic business leaders work in partnership, said Minister Cardona, and now with this new association the industry is developing the idea of "partnership" further".
"Today Malta has a number of significant studios and the industry is thriving" held Dr Cardona. Minister Cardona said that new opportunities are being created and this government intends to maximize on these, by creating new synergies, not only within the sector, but also with other industries. "The development of our digital hub, next to the Life Sciences Park, is intended for this purpose" emphasised Minister Cardona.
Minister Cardona stated that everybody in digital games needs to work together to understand the rules and regulations that affect the industry and the government must always listen to what stakeholders have to say.
"We are proud of our legislative and regulation framework, that gives Malta a good reputation, but there is always a need for flexibility too. If we can cut red tape we will do so" stated Minister Cardona.
Minster Cardona concluded by stating that the government's pro-enterprise philosophy is central to economic growth and that the story being created is a good one.
Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Economic Growth José Herrera said there is no doubt that Malta is an ICT centre of excellence, and part of that ICT excellence is digital games. "In virtue of this I believe that the launch of this association is an opportunity to assist all stakeholders and service providers involved or getting involved in the industry."
Dr Herrera highlighted the importance of this association where it can serve as a useful forum where rules and regulations and administrative stumbling blocks can be discussed in an open environment.
The Parliamentary Secretary said the Maltese Government is at the forefront pushing for expansion of this industry. In fact, the Government has been working on a set of incentives to attract foreign workers with experience in the creative industries.
José Herrera said Malta needs to show evidence of a local game-savvy work-force that can be recruited when expansion is on the horizon or when existing employees leave the company.