Games research and education (M.Sc. and Ph.D.)

Apply here

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

Alternative Ways of Philosophizing (Workshop in The …

November 2, 2023

IDG's own Prof. Stefano Gualeni will be keynoting a provocative philosophy workshop in The Netherlands on the 28th Of November 2023.The philosophy department at the University of Tilburg is organizing an event that specifically looks into the … read more

  • Tagged:
  • Staff Work

November the 8th: Souls Games as Myths

October 30, 2023

On Wednesday the 8th of November at 16.00 (IDG lab), game scholar and IDG's good friend Dr. Dom Ford (University of Bremen, Germany) will offer a guest lecture on narrative aspects of the beloved action-adventure dark fantasy series of the Souls games. In … read more

  • Tagged:
  • Event

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 of … read more

  • Tagged:
  • Staff Work

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 … read more

  • Tagged:
  • Funded Project

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 … read more

  • Tagged:
  • Staff Work

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 striking aesthetic, … read more

  • Tagged:
  • Staff Work