Video game about life as a food courier in Malta being developed

A satirical video game about life as an immigrant food courier in Malta is being developed with the aim of highlighting these workers’ harsh realities.

“Deliverance in Malta” is a new game that seeks to offer a combination of humour, social commentary, and dynamic gameplay, all about the struggles that food couriers face.

The situation that food couriers, especially third-country nationals (TCNs), find themselves in has been a topic of heated debate over recent weeks. Many workers have stated that they are struggling to make ends meet with delivery platforms cutting their delivery rates.

Last month, around 345 couriers working with Bolt Food, one of the most popular food delivery platforms in Malta, went on strike, protesting low pay. This led Jobsplus officials to raid several agencies employing TCNs as cab drivers and food delivery couriers to search for evidence of illegal labour practices.

Additionally, Government also stated that it has tightened its criteria for work permit approvals, with hundreds of migrant workers reporting that their renewal application was refused, forcing them to leave the country. Government stated that this was being done because the market for cab drivers and food couriers had reached saturation.

Workers have also faced instances of abuse from residents, with a Wolt driver being pelted by rocks while driving in St Julian’s. The platform condemned the incident, urging drivers to reach out when such abuse takes place.

A satirical take on a controversial topic

Deliverance in Malta seeks to shed light on the struggles that many food delivery drivers in Malta face.

The game, still in development, offers a “retro adventure that combines humour, social commentary, and dynamic gameplay,” a post on the game’s official social media stated.

“Face the challenges of a new land and uncover the harsh realities behind the idyllic scenery,” it continued.

The game features retro pixel art of different locations in Malta, including picturesque renditions of Mdina and Valletta, as well as of the highly urban Paceville.

In a first-look video posted on social media, the initial features of the 2.5D side-scrolling adventure game were showcased.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Deliverance in Malta – The Game (@deliverance.in.malta)

“From procedural level generation to unique gameplay mechanics, we’re excited to share what we’ve been working on,” the team behind the game said.

The preview highlighted some of the game’s features, many of which take a dig at the difficult situation TCN workers find themselves in, from renting their own illegally converted property, to navigating Malta’s traffic for money.

“Maintain your scooter! Unless you want LESA to fine you,” one line in the preview said.

The game also allows users to upgrade their scooters and customise their characters.

Since the game is still in development, no release date has been announced yet.

Will you be playing the game?