For a country already recognised for its wider iGaming sector, developing a strong video game industry represented an opportunity to build on existing strengths while creating a new branch of Malta's digital economy.

That ambition was formally set out in September 2019, when the Maltese Government launched its Vision for Video Game Development and Esports. This is now also embraced within the Government's Vision 2050, setting a target of increasing the contribution of video game development and esports from a gross value added as at 2023 of 0.13 per cent of total gross value added projected to grow to 1.5 per cent by 2035.

Building an ecosystem

The growth has involved more than attracting established companies. Creating a sustainable industry requires an environment where new businesses can start, develop and access the support needed to grow.

One example is GamingMalta's Base_camp, which provides early-stage video game companies and esports businesses with dedicated space, mentorship and opportunities to connect with investors and others within the ecosystem.

The development of the local industry has also been accompanied by efforts to strengthen the talent pipeline, encourage collaboration and increase the visibility of Maltese developers.

The result is a community that is becoming increasingly diverse, with studios working across different genres, platforms and technologies.

Education has been a key building block, with GamingMalta spearheading initiatives as a Unity centre of excellence, educational pathways with UNREAL ENGINE and launching guru-led masterclasses through the Academy of Interactive Media (AIM).

A growing international presence

Malta's development has also been supported by the arrival of international companies and organisations, providing another indication of the island's growing role within the global gaming ecosystem.

Over the past few years, Malta has hosted major esports activity through partnerships with leading tournament organisers. A three-year agreement with ESL brought the ESL Pro League and other major Counter-Strike tournaments to the island, attracting some of the world's leading teams, players and production professionals.

Separately, BLAST has established a permanent esports studio and arena facility in Ta' Qali as part of its partnership with GamingMalta, while bringing Tier 1 international competitions across different titles to the island. Organisations including FURIA and Imperial Esports have also established a presence in Malta.

While esports is only one part of the wider gaming ecosystem, this international activity has helped demonstrate Malta's ability to support global gaming businesses and create connections between the island and the international industry.

Connecting Malta to the world

The next stage is about ensuring that companies operating from Malta have access to the networks, thought leadership and opportunities they need to grow.

This is where PLAYCON 2026 fits into Malta's wider gaming story.

Taking place on 18th and 19th November at MFCC, the PLAYCON B2B Summit will bring together game developers, publishers, investors, technology providers and industry professionals for two days of insights, networking and business opportunities.

Through MeetToMatch, participants can identify potential partners and arrange meetings based on their interests, while the Indie Pitching Showcase gives selected independent developers the opportunity to present their projects to publishers, investors and other industry professionals.

For Malta's growing development community, this creates a direct link between companies being built locally and the international businesses that can help them scale.

The next chapter

The progress made since 2019 demonstrates how quickly an emerging sector can develop when supported by a government vision, strategy, infrastructure and international engagement.

The arrival of international companies- from AAA studios to indie studios, publishers, the development of local talent and the growing number of industry professionals choosing to operate from Malta is living proof of this strategy.

But the long-term opportunity goes beyond increasing the number of companies. The objective is to create an ecosystem capable of generating its own talent, businesses, intellectual property and international partnerships.

Malta's video game industry is still relatively young, but its foundations are becoming increasingly established. The next challenge is to build on them and create the connections that can help local companies compete and grow internationally.

PLAYCON 2026 will provide one such meeting point, bringing the international games industry to Malta while giving local developers and businesses the opportunity to connect with the people shaping the sector globally. Passes for the PLAYCON B2B Summit are available at summit.playcon.eu/tickets.