Games Research and Education (M.Sc. and Ph.D.)
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.
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"Studying at the IDG it’s been one of the best experiences of my life, and has been foundational to my academic growth. The game studies and game design courses provided me with a solid theoretical grounding, and the network of opportunities around academia."
"One of the most impactful aspects of the Institute on my career has been its emphasis on interdisciplinary research and collaboration. The lecturers have diverse backgrounds and expertise, and this fosters a stimulating environment for exploring the multifaceted aspects of game research and development. The research-driven approach has enabled me to contribute critically to discussions with my colleagues."
"Studying at the IDG has really been an experience better than I could have ever asked for. Not only because it aligns with my goals from as long as I remember, but also because the content and support I have received while studying there has always been stellar."
Blog What we have been up to lately
Focus on Game Philosophy - IDG at the 13th International …
The IDG has with the Philosophy of Computer Games conference series - we hosted the conference's 10th edition in Malta in 2016, and members of the IDG are regulars at the annual conference. This year was no exception. For the 13th edition of the … read more
Learn to Machine Learn! - Our New Project about Machine …
The Institute of Digital Games organizes the first multiplier event of the (LearnML) project on the 5th of December with an opening address by the Minister of Education and Employment, Hon. E. Bartolo and the Rector of the University of Malta, Prof. A. Vella. … read more
Make Hay While the Sun Shines – Social Critique through …
The Institute of Digital Games will be present at the Malta International Games Festival to discuss the development of Prof. Stefano Gualeni’s board game Construction BOOM! Mr Jasper Schellekens, who formed part of the small core team that developed the … read more
New book: Architectonics of Game Spaces
"What consequences does the design of the virtual yield for architecture and to what extent can architectural knowledge be used productively to turn game-worlds into actual, sustainable places?" Prof. Stefano Gualeni (associate professor … read more
Funded PhD and Postdoc positions at the crossroads of …
We're excited to announce that the Institute of Digital Games is looking for excellent candidates for new PhD and Post-doc positions. If you're interested in working at the Institute of Digital Games, the centre for research and education … read more
University of Malta Celebrating Game Research
Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation Hon. Silvio Schembri inaugurated the new premises of the Institute of Digital Games at the University of Malta yesterday. A full-day celebration of games research and education … read more