Games Research and Education (M.Sc. and Ph.D.)

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Welcome to the Institute of Digital Games, the research and education centre at the University of Malta, focusing on game design, game analysis, and game technology!

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.

Click here to read our annual report for the year 2022/2023.

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

Game Seminar Series: Videogame textuality as play of bodies

April 8, 2019

The Institute of Digital Games is thrilled to have Dr Brendan Keogh speaking as part of our Game Seminar Series. Join us on the 9th May at 16h00 at the Institute of Digital Games. The Game Seminar Series: All facets of digital games The Game … read more

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Artificial General Intelligence in Games: IDG at the NII …

April 3, 2019

The Institute of Digital Games had a strong presence at the NII Shonan Meeting No.130: Artificial General Intelligence in Games: Where Play Meets Design and User Experience which took place in Kanagawa, Japan during March 18-21, 2019. NII Shonan Meetings, … read more

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Featuring Visiting Researchers: Game Studies Hub in Malta

March 26, 2019

The Institute of Digital Games has a constant flow of international researchers that come to share their work, interact with our students, and work together with our local researchers. Exchanging ideas is important for innovation and learning: new perspective … read more

Affective Gameplay Annotation Experiment

March 14, 2019

One of our PhD students is working on an experiment related to the Platform for Affective Gameplay ANnotation (PAGAN) and needs your help. What do you need to do? Watch and label 3 short videos and complete a quick survey afterwards. It … read more

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Game Philosophy in Gothenburg

March 4, 2019

Prof. Stefano Gualeni gave talks at two major Swedish Universities - University of Gothenburg and University of Skovde - this February. The Centre for Digital Humanities at the University of Gothenburg hired our Prof. Stefano Gualeni (in … read more

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Game Seminar Series - Ubisoft 10 Years Later - A Candid …

February 8, 2019

The Institute of Digital Games is thrilled to have Coline Pannier speaking as part of our Game Seminar Series. She will be presenting Ubisoft 10 Years Later - A Candid Snapshot. Game Development: An Inside Peek into the Evolution of Ubisoft Europe In 2008, … read more

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