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
Featuring Visiting Researchers: Game Studies Hub in Malta
The Institute of Digital Games has a constant flow of international researchers that come to share their work, interact with our students, and work together with our local researchers. Exchanging ideas is important for innovation and learning: new … read more
Affective Gameplay Annotation Experiment
One of our PhD students is working on an experiment related to the Platform for Affective Gameplay ANnotation (PAGAN) and needs your help. What do you need to do? Watch and label 3 short videos and complete a quick survey afterwards. It takes 7-8 minutes … read more
Game Philosophy in Gothenburg
Prof. Stefano Gualeni gave talks at two major Swedish Universities - University of Gothenburg and University of Skovde - this February. The Centre for Digital Humanities at the University of Gothenburg hired our Prof. Stefano Gualeni (in the picture) as a … read more
Game Seminar Series - Ubisoft 10 Years Later - A Candid …
The Institute of Digital Games is thrilled to have Coline Pannier speaking as part of our Game Seminar Series. She will be presenting Ubisoft 10 Years Later - A Candid Snapshot. Game Development: An Inside Peek into the Evolution of … read more
Soundscapes in Video Games: Sound and the Feeling of …
The Institute of Digital Games is thrilled to have Prof Mark Grimshaw-Aagaard speaking as part of our Game Seminar Series. He will be presenting Sound and the Feeling of Presence. Best Video Game Soundtracks Manage to Instil a Feeling of … read more
Focus on Board Game Design: MGGJ 2017 boardgame featured in …
A boardgame developed during the 2017 Malta Global Game Jam by IDG member Antonios Liapis was featured in the latest issue of SEEDS! The game is called "Alien Transmission", and it is a four player co-operative game of survival against the board. The game … read more