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 Clouds, a novella

September 19, 2023

Our Prof. Stefano Gualeni just released a new book with Routledge! This work is titled The Clouds and is a philosophical sci-fi novella that takes place in Malta. One of its scenes is even set in the University of Malta! The Clouds is a unique kind … read more

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FUSION R&I project HUMAINE concludes

June 21, 2023

Since July of 2022, the IDG has been running the HUMAINE research project which was funded by the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) under the FUSION R&I: Research Excellence Programme (Project number: REP-2022-017). At the end of June 2023, … read more

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Erasmus+ exchange between IDG and Ritsumeikan Center

May 4, 2023

Dr. Costantino Oliva (Institute of Digital Games, University of Malta) and Dr. Akito Inoue (Ritsumeikan Center for Game Studies, Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto) participated in March 2023 in an Erasmus+ ICM exchange between the two institutions. Ritsumeikan … read more

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Philosophy workshop on video games

May 4, 2023

Workshop on Video Games 16 May 2023 ******************************** Videogames are undoubtedly one of the most significant developments in the modern popular arts. Moreover, as a burgeoning artistic medium, they raise a number of … read more

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Developing a STEAM Roadmap for Science Education

May 2, 2023

The Institute of Digital Games is teaming up with the Department of Mathematics & Science Education, Faculty of Education (https://www.um.edu.mt/educ/dmse/) in the framework of the Road-STEAMer HORIZON project (Developing a STEAM … read more

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DiGRA2023 workshop: Referencing Digital Games:

May 2, 2023

This is an invitation to the Digra2023 workshop titled: Referencing Digital Games: Developing Shared Guidelines and Citation Practices The workshop will take place on Monday, 19th June at the University of Seville. Time and venue TBC. Citing video games … read more

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