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
'FAST FOOD' by IDG students
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 … read more
'Another Day' by IDG student
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
Experience Machines in Portugal
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 Digital Game's , who … read more
DegreePlus: Creating Virtual Worlds
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
AutoGameDesign demonstrated at Science in the City
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 … read more
CIG 2016 conference
The Institute of Digital Games had an impressive presence at the IEEE Computational Intelligence and Games Conference that took place in beautiful Santorini. The conference, attended by over 100 international experts in the field of artificial intelligence … read more