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
Gordon Calleja - Analogue to digital game adaptation
Gordon Calleja, who lectures in game analysis at the Institute of Digital Games, has published a blog on Gamasutra that analyses his work adapting the boardgame Posthuman into a digital game. The digital game, Posthuman: Sanctuary, is currently in … read more
Game Lecture: Nick Porsche
Nick Porsche of Dorado Games will be our next speaker at the Game Lecture Series, talking about lessons learned during the development of Gladiators Online. The lecture is on Tuesday 8th of March 2016 at 7:00 pm, and is held at the Institute of Digital … read more
Game Lecture: Jade Pecorella
We are kicking off the Game Lecture Series for 2016 with Jade Pecorella talking about her experiences as a game designer in Malta. The lecture is on Tuesday 16th of February 2016 at 7:00 pm, and is held at the Institute of Digital Games. The topic and summary … read more
Experimental Games Exposition
On Tuesday 9th of February, the Institute is holding the Experimental Games Exposition, to celebrate the results of the 2016 Malta Global Game Jam. The event starts at 7:00 pm and everyone is welcome to attend. Come and play games made by … read more
Student work at AIIDE 2015 conference
IDG student work finds its way into academic conferences: the M.Sc. thesis work of William Cachia on the level generation of shooter video games was presented in the Artificial Intelligence and Interactive Digital Entertainment conference … read more