Malta’s next step forward is to create an ecosystem supportive of local entities that enables entrepreneurs to make more stories like ours happen.

It has been a standout year for Anvil, with Holdfast’s console launch propelling it into the best-seller lists. To what do you attribute this success?

Our success is wholly attributed to the hard-working and passionate team at Anvil Game Studios. I have always been a firm believer that it’s the people that make the company, and daily, I make sure that this core belief is practised. To achieve this, I’ve established mechanisms that allow for creative freedom and talent to thrive and prosper.

In just a little over a year, our studio saw Holdfast releasing on PlayStation and Xbox platforms to international success, shifting over 7 million units worldwide.

Our studio is now stronger and better-equipped than ever before, and we’re ready to kickstart the next chapter.

Malta has continued to attract game development firms and talent, but can you share any insights on what is still needed to take the sector to the next level?

Since our studio’s initial conception in 2013, we have seen and experienced the changes that have positively impacted our growing industry. Malta now offers facilities and programmes allowing individuals to study game development, a privilege that was non-existent back when we started our venture.

Playcon – Malta’s flagship game convention – then serves as a primary attraction to promote our industry’s growth and drive students to pursue the subject. Gaming Malta’s continued willingness to listen and work with key stakeholders is one of the primary reasons that enables this niche economy to continually grow and prosper

Malta’s next step forward is to create an ecosystem supportive of local entities that enables entrepreneurs to make more stories like ours happen. Work on this front is already ongoing.

Do you feel that being based in Malta has given you any particular advantages?

Being in the EU makes matters relatively painless when we need to onboard foreign specialised talent. Malta’s culture and way of life play an instrumental role in retaining such talent. Our islands are also a constant source of historical inspiration for the games we design.

Are there any particular tips you would share with any video game developer or publisher thinking about setting up a base in Malta?

One simple tip: get in touch with GamingMalta, and they’ll direct you on the right way forward.