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
CURIO - An Educational Game Toolkit for Primary School …
The Institute of Digital Games is proud to announce the official launch of CURIO! CURIO is a 2020 free, educational toolkit funded by Erasmus+. The project and its attending research were led by our own Prof. Stefano Gualeni! It empowers teachers … read more
Science in the City 2020 - Machine Learning for Kids …
Science in the City is usually Malta’s premiere science event, with the bastions of Valletta coming alive with all kinds of interactive science demonstrations, performances and talks. People can wander between the Maltese balconies and chat directly to the … read more
"Not your grandmother's intellectual" - …
The Institute of Digital Games Digital Humanities Research Group examines what games are, what they do, and how we experience them. Current research threads include tracking and mapping the differences in representation between traditional fiction and virtual … read more
Learn to Machine Learn through Games - A Science in the …
Science in the City has shifted to a virtual format this year. And while we will miss showcasing our work and have people engage with our research in person, this year does offer us an opportunity to settle down and do a more focussed … read more
What does it mean to be another? The relationship of player …
Earlier this month, Dr. Daniel Vella was invited to deliver an online talk for the Centre of Excellence in Game Culture Studies (CoE GameCult), a joint venture of the Universities of Tampere, Jyväskylä and Turku (Finland), and one of the … read more
Bringing gamification to real life sports - Online and …
Where does the game start and reality begin? The Institute of Digital Games will be part of kicking off the discussion organised by the new platform for football matchfinding @ LEET. @LEET is a platform for amateur sports enthusiasts to come together, … read more