The event was the first of its kind in Malta, where stakeholders were hosted at Xara Lodge, limits of Rabat, which served as the perfect backdrop for KPMG leadership to explore the initial and ongoing challenges within the digital gaming industry with key stakeholders. 

The digital gaming industry has undergone substantial growth over the last ten years. Major titles now eclipse blockbuster Hollywood films in relation to production costs and profits. A tangible reality that reports conclude will be worth more than $100 billion by 2017, with mobile gaming a major driving force. 

Russell Mifsud, Gaming Specialist Manager at KPMG said that ‘at this stage of the industry’s advancement, it is important to maximize on the impact of what it truly requires to nurture an attractive digital gaming hub and this comes from having a shared appreciation and common objective stemming from all key industry participants.’In fact, the event also served the purpose of providing a platform where business ties were forged and strengthened and success stories were capitalized on. 

‘You are key to the success of the industry and you are the individual pioneers, who will help lead the industry to where it needs to be,’ Mifsud said during his address to the stakeholders. This would ultimately add value to ‘Malta’s attractiveness and streamline the processes that come with setting up shop on the island.' 

As this prosperous industry continues to pick up at a steady pace, Malta is embracing this new reality by strategically designing and planning to cater for the required workforce. Government’s strategic forward-looking approach is intertwined with the provision of an array of tax incentives and schemes that address the needs of digital gaming companies during initial conceptual stages, R&D and the internationalisation and marketing of the digital gaming product. 

Malta is well placed to act as the jurisdiction of choice to address all facets of the digital gaming market. ‘It is through the united collaboration of industry stakeholders and a shared appreciation for its true potential, that an industry can be best placed to flourish’ concluded Mifsud. 

KPMG in Malta is one of the leading providers of audit, tax and advisory services. The firm provides a complete range of inter-related services to a wide spectrum of local and international clients. KPMG can play a vital role in the digital gaming industry as it works shoulder to shoulder with digital gaming stakeholders who are operating in a new digital era which is fast evolving and thus presents industry growth potential and a myriad of untapped opportunities.