Digital gaming strategy for malta report

Abstract

Goals. In May 2011, Malta Enterprise, on behalf of the Digital Games Initiative Group comprising ME, MCST, UoM and the Creative Economy Working Group, contracted the UK company Games Audit Ltd to undertake research, interviews and analysis to deliver a report required to guide a national policy in the setting up of a Digital Games Industry in Malta in accordance with a range of references. The aim of the report was to work at two levels, firstly to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and secondly to identify ways of stimulating, supporting and expanding the local games industry in Malta. Exciting Opportunities. The worldwide games industry (valued at $49bn in 2010 more than doubling in size since 2005 due to substantial growth in both retail and network gaming) is expanding rapidly and is expected to experience a CAGR between 2010 and 2014 of 9% but is fragmenting at the same time with many emerging new platforms and technologies - varying from console to tablet, mobile to online and social and associated new business models. “Gamification” is even extending game play elements into other software applications and apps. The expanding games market and its central role in the Creative Industries presents many opportunities for Malta but also challenges. Methodology. The methodology used to produce this report included Games Audit using its own expert in house staff combined with a number of industry experts from the UK and USA. Standard research methods such as comparative analysis, gap analysis, and modelling were used to build on conclusions from important face to face interviews. Director William Latham and Gordon Calleja spent considerable time in Malta in July and August 2011 carrying out local audits and interviews. The help of Maltese companies interviewed was much appreciated and local audit work was supported by Jeanine Rizzo from Fenech and Fenech Advocates. The International consultations included interviews with leading games industry figures at the E3 Games Conference in Los Angeles (the largest global annual games conference) in May and the Develop Games Conference (the leading European Games Conference on casual and mobile games) in Brighton, UK in July. Other interviews, such as with major game publishers, were secured through the teams extensive personal contact network. Work by Rick and Nick Gibson, in addition to looking at games industry trends, included analysis of existing fiscal incentives such as tax incentives offered by other territories to attract games companies. A range of countries were analysed and evaluated including Canada (Quebec), Singapore and France with the purpose of identifying specific fiscal incentives offered that Malta could choose to adopt or adapt. Overall Findings. The overall findings of the report showed that Malta has a very early stage games industry, with small and energetic companies who are highly motivated to do well, often aided by Government incentives and occasionally EU Grants. A small number of related companies in advertising, localisation, editing, audio, legal, and finance give indications of an early stage industry framework for outsourcing and collaborative work that could expand. The strong IT industry with over 200 operations in Malta provides a sound technical context for games development work, experienced technical staff available with specialist skills relevant to the growth areas of the games industry including analytics and data mining expertise. Where additional support is needed to cover any small games specific skills gaps, short training courses are provided by educational establishments. The recently started and commendable annual “indie games” competitions are also assisting in developing skills, enthusiasm and team work around games at a local level in Malta.