Games research and education (M.Sc. and Ph.D.)

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The Institute of Digital Games is the centre for research and education in game design, game analysis, and game technology at the University of Malta.

Our work is at the forefront of innovative games research. We explore games and play, uncovering new playful and generative possibilities in game design and technology. We delve into everything games can teach us about ourselves.

Our multidisciplinary academic team spans computer science, literature, game design, philosophy, media studies, and social sciences.

Read our latest report: IDG Annual Report - Academic Year 2021/22

David developed an innovative model for understanding board game involvement for his thesis.

It is an environment roaring with ideas, thoughts, games, prototypes, concepts. It was a period when I felt constantly inspired.

Rebecca is researching narrative in games. As part of her thesis, she developed a choice-driven video game.

Practice in the form of game project assignments and a supportive teaching staff really boost your confidence as a game designer!

The Institute feels like a little community that you're part of.

William's research explored the procedural generation of multi-floor levels for first-person shooters.

Being involved in the research process, I realised how passionate everyone at IDG is about their research.

David C.
Graduated in 2015
Rebecca P.
Graduated in 2017
William C.
Graduated in 2015

Blog What we have been up to lately

Philosophy and Digital Games at the University of Malta - …

November 27, 2019

Dr Daniel Vella of the Institute of Digital Games, will be providing this month's game lecture and we're in for a treat since he will be presenting a version of his keynote done for the Philosophy of Video Game Conference held last month in at the … read more

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Ludomusicology 2020 - Conference on Video Game Music and …

November 14, 2019

Announcement: Ludomusicology 2020, scheduled to be held this April in Valletta, Malta has been moved to a Virtual Format. The dates are April 25th, May 2nd, May 9th. We hope you can join us! We're excited to announce that Ludomusicology 2020 is back in … read more

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Player Two - Prof. Stefano Gualeni Interviewed by Miguel …

November 7, 2019

An in-depth Interview with Prof. Stefano Gualeni with Miguel Penabella editor and columnist for Haywire Magazine with writing featured in Kill Screen, Waypoint, and Unwinnable. The full interview is available on his blog Invalid Memory. Having released his … read more

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Focus on Game Philosophy - IDG at the 13th International …

November 7, 2019

The IDG has with the Philosophy of Computer Games conference series - we hosted the conference's 10th edition in Malta in 2016, and members of the IDG are regulars at the annual conference. This year was no exception. For the 13th edition … read more

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Learn to Machine Learn! - Our New Project about Machine …

November 5, 2019

The Institute of Digital Games organizes the first multiplier event of the (LearnML) project on the 5th of December with an opening address by the Minister of Education and Employment, Hon. E. Bartolo and the Rector of the University of … read more

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Make Hay While the Sun Shines – Social Critique through …

November 4, 2019

The Institute of Digital Games will be present at the Malta International Games Festival to discuss the development of Prof. Stefano Gualeni’s board game Construction BOOM! Mr Jasper Schellekens, who formed part of the small core team that developed the … read more

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