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

1st doctoral consortium of the POCG16 Conference

November 4, 2016

On Tuesday 1st November 2016, the Institute of Digital Games hosted the 1st doctoral consortium of the Philosophy of Computer Games conference. Taking place on the morning of the first day of the conference, the doctoral consortium hosted 13 PhD … read more

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'FAST FOOD' by IDG students

October 25, 2016

FAST FOOD is a fast paced rhythm game in which the player must collect as many healthy ingredients as possible whilst avoiding unhealthy options. This game authors are Rebecca Portelli and Yasmin Marie Cachia. The game was originally developed at the … read more

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  • Student Work

'Another Day' by IDG student

October 21, 2016

Isabelle Kniestedt, now a second-year student in the game analysis track at the Institute of Digital Games, recently published an online version of the game she created as part of our prototyping course. In just one week she developed 'Another Day', a short … read more

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Experience Machines in Portugal

October 14, 2016

EXPERIENCE MACHINES - The Philosophy of Virtual Worlds (Rowman & Littlefield International) is an upcoming book about philosophy in (and with) virtual worlds. The topic is right up the alley of Dr. Stefano Gualeni of the Institute of … read more

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DegreePlus: Creating Virtual Worlds

October 3, 2016

For those who have been curious about developing 3D environments and interactive scenes: now is the chance to do so through taking part in the DegreePlus course "Creating Virtual Worlds". The course will take place every Friday from 12:00 … read more

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AutoGameDesign demonstrated at Science in the City

October 3, 2016

On Friday, 30th of September, Valletta wore its (metaphorical) lab coat and welcomed another Science in the City event. The Institute of Digital Games could not be absent from the event, and four members of the tech-oriented IDG staff were present at the city … read more

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