Malta’s first esports expo launched

Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation Silvio Schembri officially launched Playconm Malta’s first Games Development and Esports Expo, this week, Schembri said Playcon is yet another new initiative that the Secretariat is supporting to continue to innovate and propel our digital economy.

“This event will be an add-on to the DELTA Summit and part of the Malta Tech Week. Playcon will not only be a showcase of games and esports but it will also include education-related initiatives aimed to inform and educate children, young people and adults about these new emergent industries and the exciting opportunities they hold,” he said.

“This is not the only initiative that we are supporting this year so I reiterate my full support to this industry. Let’s continue working together towards achieving our ambitious objectives.”

Schembri said that following the launch of Malta’s vision for the Games Development and Esports sectors, a lot of work has been done to help this industry’s ecosystem move forward. Playcon is a clear example.

He said the government remained committed to  helping Maltese stakeholders to tap into these lucrative sectors which provide a myriad of opportunities for those in digital arts, media, marketing and sports industries.

“This is why Playcon goes hand in hand with the DELTA Summit and the Malta Tech Week in serving as an ideal platform in our efforts to reach out to the public to understand better the benefits of new technology and the opportunities it holds to our future generations be it in their daily use, jobs and careers,” he said.

He also expressed his satisfaction over the success achieved in this industry by two Maltese professional esports players, Kurt Fenech and Christian Spiteri, who made a name for themselves internationally.

Daniel Vella Gobey aka Jokerd, a Maltese gamer and streamer, had also  managed to reach global new levels in World of Warcraft.

“We want their experiences replicated among other Maltese youths who aspire to become pros in digital sports,” Schembri said.

Ivan Filletti, Head of Operations and Business Development for GamingMalta explained that Playcon was one of the several initiatives that are being taken to implement Malta’s strategy for this sector.

“We believe that Malta has all the key ingredients for these industries to develop successfully and we are doing our utmost to boost the sectors,” he said.

“GamingMalta is working hard to roll out sectoral initiatives with the aim of implementing this strategy and help reach the country’s objectives.”
Kersten Chircop for GMR Entertainment said that Playcon Delta Summit Edition will be held between 3 and 6t October at the MFCC Ta’ Qali; consisting of 3,000+ sqm of expo space under one roof complimenting the DELTA Summit.

“This space will be dedicated for several esports competitions of games such as FIFA 20, Clash Royale, CS:GO, Brawl Stars, Tekken 7, Rocket League and SIM Racing amongst others,” Chirchop said.

“It will offer interactive game experiences with the use of virtual reality for all the family, promotion of games developed in Malta, the promotion of careers within the Games Development and Esports sectors, educational sessions on the industry of Esports and a 48-hour Game Jam involving the students of Malta’s leading educational institutions offering game development courses and the chance for the public to meet local esports superstars.”

Several bootcamps are planned over the weekend where aspiring esport players can enrol for an immersive experience into the esports industry.

The expo will be open on Thursday 3 and Friday 4 October for businesses and school students only.

After that, Playcon Expo will be open for the general public, free of charge, during the weekend of Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 October.

Playcon’s Games Development and Esports Summit will be held on Friday 4th October, a thought leadership summit for all those working in these thriving industries as part of Malta Tech Week.

The Summit will have the participation of 40+ international and local speakers who will share their knowledge through keynote speeches and discussion panels. 

Playcon is being organized by GMR Entertainment with the support of GamingMalta and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation.