You established a studio in Malta in 2021 with the intention of developing new IP in the AR and VR space. What drew you to Malta?

I visited Malta on a trade mission back in 2018, following Brexit, where I was introduced to the island and its burgeoning tech community. Having visited many other European countries, we found Malta’s infrastructure, ambitions and pro-business approach to be major advantages when choosing a European base for Draw & Code. Malta’s heritage in iGaming and esports, as well as its growth in video game development, aligns very well with the technical requirements needed for immersive technology. The fact that Malta is also a beautiful, sunny island with an incredible history where English is widely spoken made it a very easy decision.

Has the Maltese Government been supportive of your investment in Malta?

Malta Enterprise has provided grant funding to support the establishment of our R&D Lab in Malta. These grants are offered as rebates against salaries, equipment and rent that we are spending on the island. These certainly support the venture and help to establish a sustainable business on the island. Gaming Malta has also been incredibly supportive, offering opportunities to showcase our work both in Malta and beyond, providing vital exposure for our business in a new market.

Have you been able to find the right talent in Malta?

Malta’s talent pool is proportional to the scale of the island, but investment in skills through schools, colleges and university is increasing that number all the time, along with the imported talent that Malta attracts from Europe and beyond.

“Having spent time in tech communities in Liverpool, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and beyond, I’d say Malta has a strong, vibrant and diverse community that feels more connected than most.”

What is the tech scene like in Malta? How does it compare to other cities or countries?

The tech scene here feels like a proper community. For me, this is one of the most exciting aspects. The community is constantly expanding but remains positive, supportive and collaborative, largely thanks to Malta’s size – bigger isn’t always better! Local and international teams get together frequently at Malta’s many events and there are some excellent meet-ups, such as ODIN (Our Digital Immersive Nexus), that bridge communities in Malta’s creative digital economies. Having spent time in tech communities in Liverpool, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and beyond, I’d say Malta has a strong, vibrant and diverse community that feels more connected than most.

What advice would you give an innovation-based company considering establishing a base in Malta?

Innovation is challenging no matter where you’re based, so, for us, the question was more, “why not Malta?” Our core studio was established in Liverpool, in the north of England, which isn’t traditionally associated with innovation. Your environment plays a huge role in shaping your mindset and work, and this – as in Liverpool – is where Malta excels. We’ve taken on some incredibly complex projects over the past three years and delivered them successfully, so Malta remains part of our strategy, and I would advise others to make it part of theirs too.