As a result of limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maltese gaming hub must continue to reinvent itself to stay ahead of the game, according to GamingMalta COO Ivan Filletti.

Speaking on the ‘Destination Malta: COVID Update’ panel during the CasinoBeats Malta Digital summit, Filletti explained some of the things GamingMalta had observed during the pandemic.

He said: “One of the key things we have learnt during COVID is that online gaming companies are looking towards new markets, like Asia for example.

“We have had a spike in requests for third country nationals to be located in Malta, such as Japanese.”

While Filletti doesn’t believe the pandemic poses any major risks to Malta’s standing as a global industry hub, he insists there needs to be an increased focus on other verticals.

“We are now looking towards the niches,” commented Filletti. “Online gaming is 13% of Malta’s GDP but we are looking at online gaming in a broader way now such as video game development and esports.”

Filletti concluded that it is important now more than ever for Malta to continue to adapt to a changing environment, he believes a significant part of this is focusing on nurturing new talent.

He said: “If we stop ahead of the loop then we are in trouble so we need to continue reinventing ourselves.

“Talent is going to be key. We are looking at intensifying our efforts in getting young people to study online gaming and getting accredited in the industry.”