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

The Futures of Games and Game Studies

March 31, 2022

Our Prof. Stefano Gualeni is among the invited speakers for the upcoming "The Futures of Games and Game Studies Symposium and Consortium", organized by Eludamos (the Journal for Computer Game Culture) together with the Centre for Computer Game … read more

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FDG conference 2022: Deadlines Extended!

March 6, 2022

The Institute of Digital Games is heavily involved in the organization of this year's Foundations of Digital Games (FDG) international conference. The official website for the event was launched yesterday, submissions are now open, and the deadlines for both … read more

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Digital Entertainment Conference 2022 (in Kyoto, Japan)

February 17, 2022

Our Prof. Stefano Gualeni has been invited to be a visiting researcher for Center for Game Studies at the Ritsumeikan University of Kyoto, Japan. His appointment there will involve both remote activities and live events such as guest lectures and research … read more

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Alumni Lecture Series - Interesting Talks on Videogame …

December 22, 2021

We’re excited to announce the 2020-2021 schedule of talks; The Alumni Lecture Series - Interesting Talks by IDG Graduates. The Institute of Digital Games was founded in 2013 meaning that our first graduates finished their MSc in 2015 … read more

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Introducing 'DOORS': A New Experimental Game to …

November 17, 2021

In case you missed it on our social media, Prof. Stefano Gualeni and his team (including other IDG members like Dr. Costantino Oliva, Jesper Schellekens, and others) announced a new, FREE and SHORT playful attempt at making a new set of … read more

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New AI in Games Lecturer - Dr Ahmed Khalifa

October 18, 2021

Dr. Ahmed Khalifa joins us all the way from New York University as our new lecturer at the Institute of Digital Games. Ahmed's expertise in game design and artificial intelligence will be an asset to the students studying at the University of Malta as well as … read more

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