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
Game design and research by University of Malta at Science …
The Institute of Digital Games (IDG) will be showcasing game design and research at their stand during Science and the City on the Friday, 28th September 2018 starting 18h00 in Valletta near Pjazza Regina and under the arches (Digital area). Video … read more
IDG at the Copenhagen Triple Game Conference
Earlier this month, the IT University of Copenhagen brought together three long-running humanities-focused game studies conferences - the Philosophy of Computer Games Conference, the Games and Literary Theory Conference, and the History of Games conference … read more
Report on the FDG workshop on Tabletop Games
In Malmö, Sweden, the 1st workshop on Tabletop Games took place at the Foundations of Digital Games conference. The workshop was organized by IDG staff member Antonios Liapis and Maastricht University member Cameron Browne, and saw more than 50 conference … read more
IDG participation in DiGRA 2018 Conference
The IDG had a strong presence at this year's Digital Games Research Association (DiGRA) Conference. DiGRA 2018 was held at the University of Turin. IDG faculty members Prof. Stefano Gualeni and Dr. Daniel Vella participated, along with Dr. … read more
ICCC paper received Runner-Up Best Student Paper Award!
The paper "Data-driven Design: A Case for Maximalist Game Design", written in collaboration with IDG staff member Antonios Liapis and the NYU Game innovation Lab members Gabriella A.B. Barros, Michael Green and Julian Togelius, has … read more
Mediterranean Gaming Week - Tile Tales - Designing …
18th JULY at 10h00 AM @ Institute of Digital Games, University of Malta, Msida A case study of designing the game narrative for Posthuman: Saga recently funded on Kickstarter. Following Dr Vella's talk participants will have the opportunity to play a wide … read more