Games Research and Education (M.Sc. and Ph.D.)

Apply here

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.

"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."

Robin Longobardi Zingarelli
Graduated in 2024
Luca Spiteri Monsigneur!i
Graduated in 2019
Malcom Grech
Graduated in 2023

Blog What we have been up to lately

IDG SEMINAR: Being in virtual worlds (March 21st)

March 10, 2024

In the wake of the recent publication of the three-book collection focused on fictional spaces and virtual worlds Virtual Interiorities (ETC Press, 2022), the Institute of Digital Games is organizing an afternoon seminar that promises to be a … read more

  • Tagged:
  • Event

ELUDAMOS call for papers on fictional games

February 17, 2024

The eminent game studies journal Eludamos issued a call for papers for a special issue titled "Fictional Games and Fictional Game Studies" (submission deadline 15 October 2024) The guest-editors for this special issue are none other than our own Prof. … read more

  • Tagged:
  • Event

Georgios Yannakakis Speaks at Congreso Futuro on the …

February 13, 2024

Santiago, Chile: The debate surrounding the relevance of academia transcends disciplines, infiltrating even the realm of AI research. IDG's Georgios Yannakakis, alongside Julian Togelius, penned an opinion paper titled 'Choose Your Weapon: Survival Strategies … read more

  • Tagged:
  • Staff Work

EXTENDED EDUCATION SEMINAR (in Turin)

February 9, 2024

The University of Turin (department of Philosophy and Education Sciences), is organizing a 2-day congresso (symposium) on the themes of education and transformativity in virtual worlds. Together with some known faces and long-time friends … read more

  • Tagged:
  • Staff Work

On Ruins and Living – Daniel Vella Collaborates with an …

January 29, 2024

Vienna, Austria: The year 2024 began with a poignant reflection on our crumbling worlds, both metaphorically and philosophically. A panel of academics from various parts of the world gathered to remind us of the ongoing catastrophes … read more

  • Tagged:
  • Staff Work

Two podcast interviews!

January 27, 2024

The research work of our own Prof. Stefano Gualeni was at the center of the attention of two popular podcast series just last week. He appeared at a guest on both the New Books Network podcast (featuring over 15000 interviews with scholars, experts, and … read more

  • Tagged:
  • Staff Work