Mainstage Reveal for the Upcoming Edition of Playcon

Nov 20 2023

Malta’s premier expo for video games, game development, and esports is set to make its highly anticipated return for the 3rd edition, taking place from Thursday, November 30th, to Sunday, December 3rd, at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC) in Ta’ Qali.

Spanning an impressive 7000 square meters of interactive and educational space, Playcon will serve as a showcase for the best that Malta has to offer in these dynamic sectors. Approximately 50 local and international companies contributing to video game development in Malta will exhibit their work, further positioning the island as an attractive destination for foreign investment in the digital sector.

Esteemed industry leaders such as Ubisoft, Keywords Studios, Exient, and ESL will headline this year’s edition of Playcon, underscoring their status as premier video game development companies and participants in international esports competitions.

Attendees will have the unique chance to engage with and play games developed by these companies, as well as participate in various competitions held throughout the event. A massive interactive stage, a local first for the Esports Industry in Malta, will host games and competitions throughout the 4 day event. Furthermore the stage will also host two satellite events as part of Playcon, Lyts Out the teen party and edition of Sunglasses at Night.

The Games Dev and Esports Summit, scheduled for Thursday, November 30th, and Friday, December 1st, will also be hosted on this massive stage. The summit shall bring together industry stakeholders to share insights and experiences on both local and global scales. With over 40 speakers, the summit provides a networking platform for those keen on exploring opportunities within these sectors, featuring internationally acclaimed experts.

Playcon will unfold from Thursday, November 30th, to Sunday, December 3rd, at MFCC, Ta’ Qali, with free entrance.

Organised by GMR with the support of Gaming Malta and the Ministry for the Economy, European Funds, and Lands, Playcon promises to be a groundbreaking event at the intersection of gaming, development, and esports.

For additional details, please visit www.playcon.mt

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Shakira Handed €7.3 Million Fine & 3 Year Suspended Sentence

Nov 20 2023

Colombian music sensation Shakira has reached a settlement with Spanish prosecutors in her tax fraud case, averting a trial and agreeing to pay millions in fines.

As part of the deal, the 46-year-old star will serve a three-year suspended sentence and contribute 7.3 million euros ($7.98 million) in fines.

The charges against Shakira involved allegations of defrauding the Spanish state of 14.5 million euros ($15.7 million) in income earned between 2012 and 2014. She had contested the charges, asserting that she only became a full-time resident of Spain in 2015.

Wearing a pink suit and sunglasses, Shakira made no verbal statements to the reporters swarming the Barcelona courthouse. However, in a statement released by her legal team, she expressed her decision to settle for the well-being of her two sons, Milan and Sasha.

The singer emphasized the need to move past the emotional strain of recent years and focus on her children and upcoming career ventures, including a world tour and a new album.

The legal dispute centered on Shakira’s residency status in Spain from 2012 to 2014, with authorities contending that she spent a significant portion of that time in the country and should have paid taxes accordingly. Shakira’s defense argued that she led a “nomadic life” until 2014, earning primarily from international tours, and permanently moved to Barcelona just before the birth of her second son in 2015.

Following her split from former FC Barcelona star Gerard Pique in June 2022, Shakira relocated to Miami with her two sons. The trial, initially scheduled to last until December 14, involved an extensive list of almost 120 witnesses.

Shakira’s financial matters have previously come under scrutiny, with her inclusion in the “Pandora Papers” leak in October 2021, exposing global wealth and tax strategies. Notably, Spain has intensified efforts to combat tax evasion, exemplified by legal actions against high-profile figures such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Shakira’s former partner, Gerard Pique, also faced tax fraud charges in 2016, resulting in a 2.1 million euro payment to the tax office.

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Man Arrested After Robbery Spree From 9 Stores

Nov 20 2023

A 29-year-old man, accused of unlawfully entering nine shops and stealing cash along with a substantial number of mobile phones and laptops, is scheduled to appear in court later today.

Law enforcement disclosed that the individual was apprehended on Saturday as part of an inquiry into a five-month string of nighttime burglaries targeting establishments in Valletta, Qormi, Sliema, Naxxar, and Mellieħa.

Additionally, the suspect is under suspicion of attempting break-ins at shops located in Birkirkara, Tarxien, Marsa, and Gżira.

According to the police, the total value of the stolen items amounts to approximately €150,000.

The arrest transpired in St Julians, and the individual is slated to face charges before Magistrate Abigail Critien.

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‘Christmas in the Capital’ Programme for 2023 Launched

Nov 20 2023

Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici together with Valletta Cultural Agency Chairperson Jason Micallef announced details on ‘Christmas in the Capital’, a programme of festive events taking place in Valletta from the 25th of November till the 31st of December 2023.

Minister Owen Bonnici described this programme as an opportunity for Maltese and Gozitan families to visit the Capital City during the Christmas period.

“Our Capital City is the perfect place for celebrations like these. This event builds on our commitment to celebrate culture in its various genres and to continue supporting artists,” said Minister Bonnici, emphasizing that the Government is committed to further enhancing cultural activities in the Capital City and various locations in our country.

Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef said that given the ongoing conflicts in different parts of the world, they have incorporated activities promoting peace and serenity into the Christmas Programme. One such feature is the traditional Baby Jesus procession, a cherished and meaningful tradition for many Maltese people.

Mr Micallef further stated that over a month VCA has planned 29 events and activities in the Capital City. The programme includes stilt walkers, musical choirs and concerts by famous bands and singers including The Travellers, Michela, Ira Losco, Gianluca Bezzina, Centrestage Children’s Choir, Sean & Veronique, RIONA, Opening Doors, EnKor, Malta School of Music, Kor Malta, Choral and Orchestral Society Maria Bambina and others. He also announced that the National New Year’s Eve Celebrations will once again take place in the heart of the capital at St George’s Square. The entrance will once again be free of charge.

The VCA Head of Programming and Production, Jessica Muscat said that on the 25th of November, the Christmas lights in Valletta’s main streets and a Christmas tree will be switched on while a traditional Christmas crib will be inaugurated near the entrance to St John’s Co-Cathedral. The spectacular projections in St George’s Square will start from the 4th of December. Throughout the Christmas period, Christmas music will also be playing in Republic Street.

Other highlights found in this year’s Christmas programme include children’s workshops at the Valletta Design Cluster, street animators and pop-up events by Dancel Dance Studio.

Visit the Valletta Cultural Agency website vca.gov.mt and Facebook page for more information.

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