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

Help with a new philoso-game! (paid)

January 4, 2017

Almost four years after the experimental, philosophical videogame Necessary Evil (2013), our Stefano Gualeni decided to work on a new, small, case for "playable philosophy" with the support of the Institute of Digital Games and Maltco Lotteries. In … read more

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Ready for Launch! - Malta Global Game Jam 20-22nd January …

December 30, 2016

The Institute of Digital Games is once again hosting the Malta Global Game Jam on the 20-22nd January 2017! Registration will be opening soon and we would like to intive those interested to join us! Games require a wide array of skills, so we encourage anyone … read more

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Wrap-up of 2016 games: Being-towards-death in a Videogame

December 18, 2016

During the 2015-2016 academic year, IDG student Francesca Borg Taylor-East developed a video game titled "Being-towards-death in a Videogame" for the purposes of the Prototyping for Game Designers course. The game shows a satirical view of dying in certain … read more

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Wrap-up of 2016 games: My Little Fitness Dragon

December 18, 2016

During the 2015-2016 academic year, IDG student Isabelle Kniestedt developed a video game titled "My Little Fitness Dragon" for the purposes of the Prototyping for Game Designers course. My Little Fitness Dragon is designed as a casual … read more

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Wrap-up of 2016 games: Sedna

December 18, 2016

During the 2015-2016 academic year, IDG student Suus de Kock developed a video game titled "Sedna" for the purposes of the Prototyping for Game Designers course. Sedna is a short 2D side-scroller that puts the player in the shoes of an … read more

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Wrap-up of 2016 games: Bard

December 18, 2016

During the 2015-2016 academic year, IDG student Sven Kniestedt developed a video game titled "Bard" for the purposes of the Prototyping for Game Designers course. Bard is an educational game designed to help children recognize musical notes and begin to learn … read more

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  • Student Work