Games research and education (M.Sc. and Ph.D.)
The Institute of Digital Games is the centre for research and education in game design, game analysis, and game technology at the University of Malta.
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.
Read our latest report: IDG Annual Report - Academic Year 2021/22
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David developed an innovative model for understanding board game involvement for his thesis.
It is an environment roaring with ideas, thoughts, games, prototypes, concepts. It was a period when I felt constantly inspired.
Rebecca is researching narrative in games. As part of her thesis, she developed a choice-driven video game.
Practice in the form of game project assignments and a supportive teaching staff really boost your confidence as a game designer!
The Institute feels like a little community that you're part of.
William's research explored the procedural generation of multi-floor levels for first-person shooters.
Being involved in the research process, I realised how passionate everyone at IDG is about their research.
Blog What we have been up to lately
'The Videogame that is the World' (a NEW BOOK)
Il Videogioco del Mondo ('The Videogame that is the World', 2024) is a new book by our Prof. Stefano Gualeni! It is a philosophical essay written for a general audience (in ITALIAN) and published by the prestigious publishing house Time0 (Palermo, … read more
'Night Parade of 100 Demons' in Japan - Dr. …
Kyoto, Japan: Dr. Costantino Oliva completed an extensive research visit in Kyoto, Japan. The visit involved a diverse set of activities, including participation in an art exhibition, the debut of a new game during a local game developer meet-up, partaking in … read more
IDG at the IEEE Conference on Games
IDG staff participated at the IEEE Conference on Games which took place in Milan this year. The IEEE Conference on Games is the premier conference for technical research on games, including artificial intelligence and game development. This year, IDG PhD … read more
IDG staff at the Dagstuhl Seminar on Computational …
Three staff members of the Institute of Digital Games attended the prestigious Dagstuhl Seminar on Computational Creativity for Game Development in June 2024. Dr. David Melhart, Dr. Ahmed Khalifa and Prof. Antonios Liapis were invited to … read more
Critical Play: Game Design in Culture - A six-lecture open …
Games have a dynamic relationship with society. They have the potential to change cultural norms and reshape individual attitudes and beliefs. Prof. Gualeni has been invited to teach ‘Critical Play: Game Design in Culture’ at the FMK … read more
The IDG goes to Belgrade!
This April, the IDG will visit Serbia for a number of game-related events. Join us, in case you’re also in town (April 18 and 19)! Here is a breakdown of what is happening: >> APRIL 18: As a Tag-team, Prof. Stefano Gualeni and Dr. Costantino Oliva … read more