On Thursday (today), Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri officially opened Playcon 2024, Malta’s largest video game and esports expo, this year it’s biggest edition yet.
Held at the MFCC in Ta’ Qali, the event showcases the growth of the video game development and esports industries, which have become key contributors to Malta’s economy.
Playcon will be open to the public on Saturday 26th October and Sunday 27th October with interactive games, free-to-play areas, and a cosplay competition.
Between Thursday and Friday, more than 3,000 students from 20 schools across Malta and Gozo are expected to attend to explore career opportunities in the fast-growing industries.
This year’s edition will feature 60 exhibitors, including local game developers, international publishers such as Ubisoft and Kwalee, and prominent figures in the esports industry.
In addition, a business-to-business conference will take place from Thursday to Friday morning with over 20 local and international speakers, and an indie studio showcase featuring 15 international participants.
The event will also include an accelerator programme, offering startups the chance to pitch their ideas to international partners.
Minister Schembri noted that these economic niches started from “an ambitious strategy that the Government believed and worked hard on. Playcon is proof that the industry is flourishing in Malta.”
During recent visits to industry stakeholders, the Minister highlighted their role in enhancing Malta’s reputation by producing internationally recognised games, which is “strengthening the island’s position in the global gaming industry.”
Malta has hosted many international esports events such as ESL Pro League with an audience of over 800,000 concurrent viewers. Another significant achievement is the announcement that Talon Esports will be opening a European office in Malta.
“These two new economic niches are not only strengthening Malta’s positioning in the digital innovation sector and contributing to sustainable economic growth but are creating high-quality jobs, many of which are filled by Maltese workers,” he concluded.
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