NARC Game Studios inaugurate new HQ

NARC Game Studios, founded by experienced gaming professionals in February 2016, have inaugurated their new headquarters, revealing plans to employ 150 staff over the next three years.

CEO and founder Thorolfur Beck said the aim was for NARC to become a powerhouse in the gaming industry, to push the envelope and shift paradigms. And Malta has proven to be just the right base for the task.

“Malta possesses a range of qualities very well suited for an internet-based video game company like ours: robust and modern technical infrastructure, liberal regulatory framework, affordable housing and relatively low cost of living - and a fair tax system,” he said.

“A huge factor in our choosing Malta was the reception we got from the Maltese government - from our very first scouting mission, until this day, we have received invaluable advice and assistance, especially from MaltaEnterprise and Gaming Malta. The entire games industry has been incredibly welcoming; we have found no competitors in Malta, only friends and allies. We are grateful and we are here to stay.”

Minister for Economy, Investment and Small Businesses Silvio Schembri, present for the inauguration, said the government was excited to explorate and sustain such a dynamic, new economic niche as digital gaming.

“I am proud to form part of a government, one of the very few in the world to date, which endorses the video game industry at a governmental level,” Schembri said.

“Our message is hitting the high notes, especially with companies such as NARC which are consistenly choosing Malta as their headquarters. The video game family in Malta is set to grow and we are wholly committed to provide the necessary tools to flourish in our vibrant ecosystem.”

He thanked Malta Enterprise which was instrumental in guiding NARC through its start-up incentives that also cater for the digital games industry as well as Gaming Malta for assisting NARC in reaching this landmark..

Parliamentary Secretary Clayton Bartolo reiterated the government’s commitment to develop a government-funded incubator space, built on targeted sector-related initiatives, to help stimulate further growth for key stakeholders like NARC.

“It is this Government’s commitment to increase participation in key events to further expand the video game development ecosystem,” he said. “This is underpinned by educational efforts in our digital gaming school curriculum that will ensure sustainable growth of the industry.”

NARC is currently developing an ambitious online game which is promising player immersion and which it says could generate revenues for decades.