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

New project just launched, by lecturers and alumni from the …

June 24, 2022

The project “Playing Maltese History” involves the design of a location-based AR mobile game that can facilitate and augment historical research for recreational and educational purposes. Through the game, the player will be able to explore, … read more

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Institute of Digital Games Faculty Members Go Abroad to …

June 24, 2022

Prof. Stefano Gualeni and Dr. Daniel Vella from the Institute of Digital Games – University of Malta travelled around the continent early this month to share parts of the research that they have been developing at the Institute. The first stop was at … read more

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2nd Annual Undergraduate Philosophy Conference (NYU)

April 20, 2022

And here's another announcement concerning our Prof. Stefano Gualeni. Due to his work at the intersections between philosophy and game studies, our resident Associate Professor in Game Design was invited to be a speaker for the upcoming "2nd Annual … read more

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The Futures of Games and Game Studies

March 31, 2022

Our Prof. Stefano Gualeni is among the invited speakers for the upcoming "The Futures of Games and Game Studies Symposium and Consortium", organized by Eludamos (the Journal for Computer Game Culture) together with the Centre for Computer … read more

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FDG conference 2022: Deadlines Extended!

March 6, 2022

The Institute of Digital Games is heavily involved in the organization of this year's Foundations of Digital Games (FDG) international conference. The official website for the event was launched yesterday, submissions are now open, and the … read more

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Digital Entertainment Conference 2022 (in Kyoto, Japan)

February 17, 2022

Our Prof. Stefano Gualeni has been invited to be a visiting researcher for Center for Game Studies at the Ritsumeikan University of Kyoto, Japan. His appointment there will involve both remote activities and live events such as guest lectures and research … read more

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