Bold culture shift at the heart of Malta’s 2050 vision for gaming
The gaming industry’s contribution to the Maltese economy in the first half of 2024 amounted to 10.7% of GVA (Gross Value Added). It is, therefore, no surprise that under the Vision 2050 framework, the gaming sector is identified as one of seven priority industries driving Malta’s sustainable economic growth.
Malta Vision 2050, launched in an 82-page document on Tuesday, aims to shape Malta’s long-term development, setting interim 2035 targets that will guide national progress until 2050. The vision focuses on sustainable growth, resilience, and improved quality of life, aligning with European and global trends. With 90 initiatives, Malta Vision 2050 aims to transform Malta into a future-ready, inclusive, resilient, and competitive society.
“This vision introduces a new culture — one that broadens how we define success as a country,” Honourable Minister Silvio Schembri.
Gaming sector as a pillar of economic growth
The strategy aims to consolidate Malta’s leadership in gaming by strengthening regulatory frameworks and exploring new frontiers such as video game development, e-sports, and interactive entertainment. This approach aligns with the broader goal of transitioning from GDP-centric metrics to indicators that reflect well-being and quality of life.
The key points outlining Malta’s 2050 vision for the gaming industry are the following:
- Strengthen Malta’s leadership position in the gaming industry.
- Ensure that transparency, player protection, and fair competition are central to the gaming sector.
- Aim for a 5-6% CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) in the gaming sector, consistent with historical growth, primarily driven by gambling.
- Target a sector contribution of 2.3-2.8 billion euros by 2035, representing 6-7% of the projected GDP.
- Strengthen the regulatory framework to ensure transparency and fair competition in the gambling sector.
- Encourage growth in Digital Content Creation, SW Development, and Video-Gaming through technological innovation and talent development.
- Offer fiscal incentives to position Malta as the default jurisdiction for emerging gaming studios.
- Establish Malta as a hub for interactive entertainment by fostering innovation, talent, and global partnerships in video game development and esports.
- Host annual eSport Tier 1 events and ongoing local grassroots tournaments to support local team development and relocation.
- Enhance apprenticeship programmes in partnership with key industry players to develop local talent.
- Mandate all licensed operators to shift to 100% renewable-powered data centres by 2035, offering tax incentives for compliance.
With the launch of its 2050 vision, Malta wants to use its strengths in gaming, biotech, Fintech, and crypto to attract talented people and become a key player in shaping EU policies. The country plans to invest in new technologies and smart infrastructure to support the gaming industry, with initiatives ranging from better digital systems to using AI to improve services. The goal is to create a tech-friendly environment that attracts the best gaming companies and talent from all over the world. With this vision, Malta is focusing on education and training programmes that will give employees the skills they need to succeed in the industry.
Malta knows it can’t do this alone. The government wants to work closely with gaming companies, industry groups, and other organisations to generate new ideas, share what works, and ensure Malta’s gaming industry stays competitive worldwide. The public consultation of Malta Vision 2050, published by the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects (MEEP) runs until 9 September 2025.
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