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
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 … read more
RSA Digital Games
Call for Applications Post/s of Part-Time Research Support Assistant - Full decription of the post here. Institute of Digital Games The Institute of Digital Games requires the services of a Research Support Assistant The ideal candidate should … read more
Using Virtual Reality Games to Treat Brain Injuries
Prof. Stefano Gualeni contributed to a recently published study about the use of VR games for rehabilitation. The article ‘Virtual reality-based treatment for regaining upper extremity function induces cortex grey matter changes in persons with acquired … read more
Construction Boom! - Using Games as Rhetoric
IDG Staff Prof. Stefano Gualeni and Jasper Schellekens co-wrote a Designer Diary for Boardgamegeek.com. The piece offers interesting, previously undisclosed details about the origins of Construction BOOM!, the two-player print-and-play … read more
The Implied Designer
The idea of an ‘implied designer’ is at the core of a pioneering, collaborative academic work between The University of Antwerp's Dr. Nele Van de Mosselaer of the Faculteit Letteren en Wijsbegeerte - UAntwerpen and the University of … read more
Game Development Paths: The Business and Industry of Making …
The Institute of Digital Games is thrilled to offer students a guest lecture from the business side of game design and game development by the GTR game accelerator & G.Round community-driven playtesting platform. The 1-hour lecture will be provided online … read more