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
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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
IDG at the Copenhagen Triple Game Conference
Earlier this month, the IT University of Copenhagen brought together three long-running humanities-focused game studies conferences - the Philosophy of Computer Games Conference, the Games and Literary Theory Conference, and the History of Games … read more
Report on the FDG workshop on Tabletop Games
In Malmö, Sweden, the 1st workshop on Tabletop Games took place at the Foundations of Digital Games conference. The workshop was organized by IDG staff member Antonios Liapis and Maastricht University member Cameron Browne, and saw more than 50 conference … read more
IDG participation in DiGRA 2018 Conference
The IDG had a strong presence at this year's Digital Games Research Association (DiGRA) Conference. DiGRA 2018 was held at the University of Turin. IDG faculty members Prof. Stefano Gualeni and Dr. Daniel Vella participated, along with Dr. Sebastian Möring … read more
ICCC paper received Runner-Up Best Student Paper Award!
The paper "Data-driven Design: A Case for Maximalist Game Design", written in collaboration with IDG staff member Antonios Liapis and the NYU Game innovation Lab members Gabriella A.B. Barros, Michael Green and Julian Togelius, has … read more
Mediterranean Gaming Week - Tile Tales - Designing …
18th JULY at 10h00 AM @ Institute of Digital Games, University of Malta, Msida A case study of designing the game narrative for Posthuman: Saga recently funded on Kickstarter. Following Dr Vella's talk participants will have the … read more
IDG invited to speak at CEBIT - Serious Games Conference
Artificial Intelligence: Getting Serious About Games IDG Director Prof. Georgios Yannakikis was invited to speak at CEBIT in Germany on the topic of AI in Games. Prof. Yannakakis presented his talk "AI Getting Serious... about Games" as part of the Serious … read more