The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has released its latest report analysing the skills gap in the online gaming industry, based on surveys conducted between 2020 and 2024. The findings, reflecting data from 2019 to 2023, provide valuable insights into workforce trends, challenges, and opportunities across MGA-licensed activities in Malta.

Key Findings from the Report

Positive Labour Market Dynamics

• 75.8% of surveyed respondents rated Malta positively in areas such as labour market trends, skills availability, and training opportunities when compared to other jurisdictions.

Vacancy Trends in 2023

• At the end of 2023, 74.9% of job vacancies had been open for less than three months.
• There were 92.5 vacancies per 1,000 employees in MGA-licensed activities, with a total of 885 open positions reported by online gaming companies in Malta.

Vacancy Breakdown by Level

• 79.2% of open positions were at the operational level.
• 18.8% were at middle management, while top management roles accounted for 2.0% of total vacancies.

Roles in Demand

• Marketing roles (including customer care) represented 21.1% of vacancies, while technology-related positions made up 16.8%.

Top Barriers to Recruitment

• The most common reasons for unfilled vacancies over the reporting period were:
  • Lack of work experience.
  • Competition from other firms.
  • Insufficient qualifications.

Recruitment Trends in 2023

• 84.9% of surveyed firms hired personnel from other companies within the industry.
• Only 25.8% recruited directly from university graduates, underscoring the need for better alignment between educational programmes and industry needs.

Addressing Skills Gaps

• 71.7% of firms implemented in-house training or mentoring programmes to address skill shortages.
• 55.4% intensified employee retention efforts as a strategy to close skills gaps.

MGA CEO, Charles Mizzi, commented on the report’s findings:

“As Malta’s gaming industry evolves, it is essential to adapt and strengthen the foundations that support its success.”

“The Skills Gap Report reveals important insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead, particularly the need for targeted skills development and stronger partnerships between educational institutions and industry. By addressing these priorities, we can ensure sustainable growth and maintain Malta’s leadership in the global gaming ecosystem.”

About the Report

The Skills Gap Report explores critical aspects of the online gaming workforce, including the nature and causes of unfilled vacancies, recruitment strategies, training and development activities, and how Malta compares with other jurisdictions. The survey, based on responses from firms with three or more employees, also highlights the vital role of education in addressing industry needs.

A full copy of the survey can be downloaded from here.