Malta’s educational landscape is undergoing transformation. Spearheaded by Gordon Dimech, Chief Information Officer in the Ministry of Education and Sport, this forward-thinking approach sees him championing the integration of gamification and esports into Malta’s academic curriculum. Gordon Dimech recognises gaming as a flourishing economic niche, but this initiative isn’t just designed to enhance students’ learning experiences. Gordon has ambitions to position Malta as a leader in innovative education.

“Games and esports are proven to boost critical thinking, problem-solving, and even proficiency in STEM subjects like digital skills, mathematics, and science.” Dimech explained. “This initiative is not just about gaming, but about equipping our students with skills for the future.”

Gordon attended the in Malta and gave his exclusive insights to 8457.me.

A new era of learning

Dimech’s vision extends beyond traditional gaming. He told 8457.me that by incorporating predictive analysis tools, dashboards, and other new technologies, Malta’s educators can better understand and support student’s academic behaviours. “These dashboards,” Dimech explained, “can provide predictive models for students’ future behaviour, which is very interesting academically.”

It’s not only about improved learning outcomes, though. This data-driven approach will lead to personalised learning paths and higher aspiration from Malta’s new generation of innovators, who will drive Malta to a more prosperous future.

“I’ve been proposing this for about a year now,” Dimech shared. “I am glad that it’s now taken as a priority by the central government. We need to take further steps and introduce gaming, education, and esports education. Just like other countries such as the United States and Sweden have done.”

Clearly, the benefits of this approach extend beyond engagement. Dimech states, “This is, in a nutshell, my project and I believe it will be very fruitful.”

Enhancing institutional foundations

The University of Malta and other educational institutions, such as MCAST, are vital partners in this initiative. Dimech, however, believes more needs to be done to keep pace with international standards.

“We need to introduce more specialised courses at the University of Malta and other colleges. This includes gamification cloud technologies and software. Students enrolled in these courses could create inventive games, not just for entertainment, but also for education.”

Dimech highlighted the role of businesses in providing supplementary education. “These companies are offering cutting-edge high-tech tools to be utilised in game creation,” he said, adding that this collaboration will drive the creation of innovative educational games.

PlayCon, an annual event highlighting the intersection of gaming and education, also plays a vital role. Dimech expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “PlayCon is a high point of every year, showcasing the advancements and creativity in this space.”

Learning from global leaders

Malta’s initiative draws inspiration from global leaders in gamification and esports education. “We can learn from countries like the USA and Sweden,” Dimech noted. “Scandinavian countries and Ireland are also very advanced in this area. Malta has the potentia to match their achievements and even innovate beyond them.”

This collaborative approach aligns Malta’s strategies with global best practices, whilst catering to the nation’s unique needs.

Central to this initiative is recognising gaming and esports as a prospering economic niche. The Maltese government has prioritised this sector by recognising its potential for sustainable growth and profitability. If they fully integrate gaming into the education ecosystem, Malta can nurture its own talent that then feeds directly into its thriving iGaming, tech, and Medtech industries.

“Sustainability means profitability,” Dimech remarked. “Emerging technologies like quantum computing are no longer just concepts; they’re tools we must utilise to complete our economic model.”

He praised the advancements showcased at SiGMA Europe 2024, adding, “The intersection of emerging technologies with gaming is extraordinary. Quantum computing, for example, could be very beneficial for the future of education and gaming.”

A catalyst for innovation

Malta’s annual PlayCon event and its dynamic iGaming community provide fertile ground for collaboration and innovation. These platforms showcase cutting-edge advancements, from quantum computing applications to groundbreaking game development technologies.

Dimech shared his excitement about SiGMA’s role in fostering these developments. “Every year, SiGMA introduces more advanced technologies. It’s inspiring to see how these advancements can be harnessed for education,” he said. “We just need the people and the companies, and I believe we’re on the right track.”

As Malta solidifies its position as a hub for education and gaming innovation, the potential for growth is limitless. The collaboration between government, academia, and industry will equip Malta’s students for the future and position them to shape it.

“We must look at sustainability, profitability, and emerging technologies to complete our educational model,” Dimech concluded. “This is just the beginning, and the future looks bright for Malta.”

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