Games research and education (M.Sc. and Ph.D.)

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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

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.

David C.
Graduated in 2015
Rebecca P.
Graduated in 2017
William C.
Graduated in 2015

Blog What we have been up to lately

Game AI - Creative artificial evolution through quality …

April 29, 2019

The Institute of Digital Games is thrilled to have Dr. Jean-Baptiste Mouret of Inria, the French research institute dedicated to computer science and mathematics, speaking as part of our Game Seminar Series. Dr. Jean-Baptiste Mouret's work was some … read more

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Games for Education: eCrisis in the Classroom

April 22, 2019

The eCrisis project aims to enable inclusive education through playful and game-based learning. The Institute of Digital Games (IDG) and the Faculty of ICT are working in collaboration with St Ignatius College, Ellinogermaniki Agogi, National Technical … read more

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Game Philosophy talk at 'Games Beyond Games'

April 12, 2019

On april the 12th, Prof. Stefano Gualeni gave a talk in Turin (Italy) as part of the 'Game Beyond Games' event. Game Beyond Games included a free 3-hour mini-conference about how games combine and promote culture in a variety of surprising ways. Prof. … read more

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Game Seminar Series: Videogame textuality as play of bodies

April 8, 2019

The Institute of Digital Games is thrilled to have Dr Brendan Keogh speaking as part of our Game Seminar Series. Join us on the 9th May at 16h00 at the Institute of Digital Games. The Game Seminar Series: All facets of digital games The … read more

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Artificial General Intelligence in Games: IDG at the NII …

April 3, 2019

The Institute of Digital Games had a strong presence at the NII Shonan Meeting No.130: Artificial General Intelligence in Games: Where Play Meets Design and User Experience which took place in Kanagawa, Japan during March 18-21, 2019. NII … read more

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Featuring Visiting Researchers: Game Studies Hub in Malta

March 26, 2019

The Institute of Digital Games has a constant flow of international researchers that come to share their work, interact with our students, and work together with our local researchers. Exchanging ideas is important for innovation and learning: new perspective … read more