Games research and education (M.Sc. and Ph.D.)
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
Find us on …
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.
Blog What we have been up to lately
Public Lecture in Kyoto (RCGS) by Prof. Stefano Gualeni
IDG's Prof. Stefano Gualeni is in Kyoto, Japan, as a visiting researcher at the Ritsumeikan Centre for Game Studies (RCGS). His visiting stay was mostly focused on working on an ongoing project (in collaboration with the RCGS) concering the … read more
IDG & DiGRA ITALIA OPEN TALKS (Monday the 27th of …
IDG's Prof. Stefano Gualeni and Prof. Riccardo Fassone will inaugurate the new series of open lectures on Interactive Digital Narrative and Game Studies. The event is organised by Ilaria Mariani and Mariana Ciancia (Department of Design, Politecnico di … read more
Chrysalis: The Butterfly Dream
Some of the experimental games designed by our Prof. Stefano Gualeni are part of the the group exhibition Chrysalis: The Butterfly Dream. The exhibition will take place at the Centre for Contemporary Art of Geneva (Switzerland) from January the 24th 2023 all … read more
Two Book Chapters in 'Virtual Interiorities'!
Virtual Interiorities is a three-volume collection of essays edited by Gregory Turner-Rahman, Vahid Vahdat , & Dave Gottwald, and published by ETC Press (Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, USA). The collection considers the idea … read more
Fictional Games out with Bloomsbury Publishing
Fictional Games: A Philosophy of Worldbuilding and Imaginary Play is the title of a new, exciting volume published by Bloomsbury Publishing. It combines perspectives from game studies, literary theory, the philosophy of fiction, film … read more
Instruction video for "Construction BOOM!"
The ever delightful Eleni Papadopoulou (also known as Cardboard Rhino) made an instruction video for "Construction BOOM!", a strategic 2-player tile-laying game made here at the Institute of Digital Games. "Construction BOOM!" is a playable satire of the … read more