A game studio has invested a €1.4 million over the past two years and plans to increase its workforce by 150 people, Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said on Saturday evening.
He was speaking during the inauguration of the NARC game studios headquarters.
NARC is a game studio founded by experienced gaming professionals on February 1st 2016
Schembri said that the exploration and sustainment of such a dynamic, new economic niche is an experience which is anticipated with excitement.
"I am proud to form part of a Government, one of the very few in the world to date which endorses the video game industry at a governmental level. Our message is hitting the high notes, especially with companies such as yours which are consistenly choosing Malta as their headquarters. The video game family in Malta is set to grow to facilitate this goal we are wholly committed to provide the necessary tools to flourish in our vibrant ecosystem", he said.
The Minister thanked Malta Enterprise which was instrumental in guiding NARC through its Start-up incentives which also target the digital games industry as well as Gaming Malta for assisting NARC in arriving where it is today.
"I cannot but commend your futuristic outlook and plans to increase your workforce up to 150 in the next 3 years, the investment that amounts to €1.4 million in our economy during the past 2 years and most importantly for putting your trust in Malta," the minister said.
Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services and Digital Economy Clayton Bartolo said the government extends its commitment to continue developing a holistic approach with key stakeholders such as NARC, built on targeted sector-related initiatives, a government-funded incubator space.
"It is this Government's commitment to increase participation in events organised to further expand the video game development ecosystem. This is underpinned by educational efforts in our digital gaming school curriculum that will ensure sustainable growth of the industry," Bartolo said.
Toti Beck, CEO and Founder of NARC explained that NARC is a start-up comprised of a group of veterans, with an extensive and proven track record, and a couple of industry success stories under our belt.
"We are here to build a powerhouse, to push the envelope and shift paradigms. 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 companies like ours: robust and modern technical infrastructure, liberal regulatory framework, affordable housing and relatively low cost of living - and a fair tax system. A huge factor in our choosing Malta - 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 Malta Enterprise and Gaming Malta. The entire games industry has been incredibly welcoming; we have found no competitors in Malta, only friends and allies. We are grateful and we are here to stay," said Beck.