In the digital age, all types of businesses are exploring new strategies to teach skills and build a sense of community among their employees

Due to the versatility of technology, these new strategies have taken on many forms that utilise different mediums of communication. One such strategy that has gained recognition is the use of esports for teambuilding and professional development.

Esports has surged in popularity over the past decade, and as a result, more businesses are using organised videogame competitions to help train and develop staff. While using videogames to boost productivity may seem counterintuitive to some managers, that view of gaming and videogames is changing as the industry and its understanding continues to evolve.

Today, more and more videogames are trying to connect with different spheres of life in order to make them more attractive and interesting. Accordingly, more and more people are trying to use them in the form of teambuilding and competitions that can benefit businesses and their employees in several distinct ways.

Want to establish your place amongst the most desirable workplaces through new ways of employer branding? You’ve come to the right place!

You may have heard of Malta-based company Rocksteady Digital and how it is using gaming as a teambuilding technique to bring employees together and maintain a positive work atmosphere.

The broad spectrum of videogames as far as possibilities, experiences, and approaches are concerned, also needs to be pointed out here. In order to master a game, different skills and competencies are required, which players can acquire and improve during the game, but that they also bring to the game themselves, and in the case of esports games or playing in a league, skills such as team spirit, self-discipline, and organisational talent are also required.

That’s where inclusive gaming and eSports Plaza come into play! Located inside Malta’s renowned shopping mall, the Plaza Shopping Centre in Sliema. The new state-of-the-art fully-fledged esports facility comes with six PlayStation 5s, complete with comfortable sofas, where gamers can taken on each other in games such as FIFA 22, Fortnite, and Tekken 7. There are also 20 gaming PCs, each with their own set of soundproof headphones.

Rocksteady Digital Director Alan Cini said that “We are fascinated by computer games and also the diversity and culture that has developed around gaming which is constantly evolving”.

While the facility is open to everyone, it has also been designed to cater for gaming professionals, and comes with a studio where tournaments, bootcamps, and lectures can take place.

“I am intrigued by what people are able to accomplish in esports. At the same time, I am equally drawn by what esports has already become in this country,” Mr Cini added.

Minister for the Economy, EU Funds, and Lands Silvio Schembri said the Government’s goal is for the video game development and esports sectors to contribute to one per cent of Malta’s GDP within the next eight years.

Plaza Shopping Centre Chairperson Charles Farrugia said that €250,000 investment will kickstart a new shopping mall experience in Malta, while Malta Gaming Foundation CEO Ivan Filletti said the island’s connectivity and historical backdrop lend themselves to be an ideal esports destination.

eSports Plaza Director Malcolm Saleeb hailed the project as one based on the love towards esports. “By merging the family entertainment aspect with the professional side, we are ensuring that esports is easily accessible to everyone,” he said.

“Our main intention is to contribute to the growth of the Maltese esports scene and help place Malta on the map as an ideal destination for esports activities,” Mr Saleeb added.

If you feel adventurous and open to a new and innovative way of ensuring employee satisfaction, contact eSports Plaza to make teambuilding tailored to your needs, by clicking here or contacting Mr Saleeb here.