Game Development Company ‘Keywords’ Opens Malta Studios

Dec 2 2023

One of the world’s leading video gaming companies, Keywords Studios, has opened two new studios in Malta, spread over 1,000 square metres of office space.

Inaugurating the studios, Minister for the Economy, European Funds and Lands Silvio Schembri said that it was indeed a great honour to see that world renowned Keywords chose Malta to open two new locations for its Sperasoft and Electric Square studios.

The Sperasoft and Electric Square teams have worked on top games the likes of Call of Duty, Assassin’s Creed, and Halo.

“Just over a year ago, we excitedly announced that a world-renowned international video game industry service provider would be setting up operations right here in Malta. Today, we officially inaugurated Keywords Studios, a publicly listed firm on the London Stock Exchange that boasts a global presence with 12,000 employees across seventy studios worldwide,” stated Minister Schembri.

“The presence of Keywords Studios in Malta marks a paradigm shift for our local industry. We now have more highly skilled talent working on triple-A titles and innovative teams embracing cutting-edge technology,” continued the minister.

Having just set up a base in Malta, Keywords will already have a team of 40 people lined up to operate from its Malta base by end of year.

Keywords Studios has a notable presence in the Playcon expo currently being held at Ta’ Qali.

Minister Schembri highlighted that Malta continues to attract various video game development companies, including homegrown talents like Anvil Games, Dorado Games, Narc, Exient and now Keywords. “Our target is for this sector to account for 1% of our country’s GDP by 2028,” emphasised Minister Schembri.

He also recalled his trips to Gamescon in Germany whereby he met a number of company representatives operating in the video gaming and esports arena who were interested in setting up shop in Malta. “This goes to show how important it is to network during fairs and conventions of this calibre as we witness more and more companies of this kind opening their doors here in Malta,” concluded Minister Schembri.

Fulvio Sioli, Regional Managing Director of Keyword studios in Europe, said that: “At Keywords Studios, we are delighted to open our first locations in Malta for two of our leading game development studios, Sperasoft and Electric Square. This further expands our global footprint and will help drive our growth in the gaming industry. We have received great support by the institutions in Malta to manage the process and the care and the attention we have been given has exceeded our expectations.”

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“We are looking forward to strengthening our cooperation with the local gaming community and collaborating with the Maltese Government to explore educational initiatives. Our goal is to contribute to making Malta a hub of a world-class talents in the gaming industry. We hope for a promising future, fuelled by the immense potential of this partnership,” concluded Mr Sioli.

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Ian Borg Appointed 2024 OSCE Chairman

Dec 2 2023

On Friday afternoon, Foreign Minister Ian Borg officially assumed the role of Chairman-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for the year 2024.

In his acceptance speech, Borg emphasised the crucial need for close cooperation and support from all participating states to fulfil the OSCE’s mandate and uphold shared values in alignment with agreed principles and commitments.

Malta’s appointment to chair the OSCE followed Russia’s objection to Estonia taking on the role. Despite the diplomatic setback, Borg staunchly defended Estonia’s candidacy, asserting its status as a “solid, relevant, and dependable partner.”

He acknowledged Malta’s supportive stance towards Estonia and emphasised the nation’s commitment to serving as a “bridge builder” in the geopolitical landscape.

Expressing gratitude for the trust placed in Malta, Borg underscored the responsibility bestowed upon the country to lead the organisation, reaffirming Malta’s dedication to fulfilling its role within the OSCE.

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First Cruise Liner Fully Run On Electricity In Grand Harbour

Dec 2 2023

The first passenger ship (cruise liner) has powered down its engines and is now being run on electricity while docked in Malta’s Grand Harbour.

This forms part of the Shore-To-Ship environmental project, with the initiative expected to reduce air pollution from passenger ships in the area by more than 90%.

Through the investment, Infrastructure Malta aims to provide cleaner air to approximately 17,000 families living in this zone of the Maltese islands.

In a significant development, the passenger ship Viking Saturn, flying the Norwegian flag, began drawing electricity, making it the first ship to shut down its engines and operate exclusively on electricity.

This milestone follows extensive tests conducted on the system over the past few weeks. The cruise liner, currently moored at the Pinto 1/2 piers, is receiving 3.1 Mega Watts per hour.

This initiative is set to position Malta as one of the pioneers in the Mediterranean to implement a shore-side electricity system for passenger ships.

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Prime Minister Addresses COP28 In Dubai

Dec 2 2023

During his address at the COP28 in Dubai, Prime Minister Robert Abela underscored Malta’s unique challenges and noteworthy achievements in the face of a changing climate.

Abela highlighted Malta’s recent experience of one of the most challenging summers in its history, drawing attention to the urgency of global climate action.

Abela expressed optimism about the ambitious target set during COP21 to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Despite being one of the smallest states, Malta strives to lead by example, aiming for a substantial 55% reduction in emissions by 2030, building on its significant achievement of retaining a 19% reduction target in carbon emissions for the same year.

Abela highlighted Malta’s 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector over the past decade.

He stressed the necessity for continuous reform, citing initiatives such as the issuance of green bonds by the Water Services Corporation and Malta’s doubled contributions to the Green Climate Fund in the last four years.

Abela urged collective action when it comes to global sea level rise, asserting that no state should suffer loss of rights due to this phenomenon.

Malta, as a small island state, commits to supporting fellow Small Island Developing States and maintaining a leadership role in advocating for the interconnection between climate change and health.

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