Games Research and Education (M.Sc. and Ph.D.)

Apply here

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.

"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."

Robin Longobardi Zingarelli
Graduated in 2024
Luca Spiteri Monsigneur!i
Graduated in 2019
Malcom Grech
Graduated in 2023

Blog What we have been up to lately

Summer School on AI and Games

May 20, 2018

The third International Summer School on Artificial Intelligence and Games will be held in Copenhagen, Denmark, from June 22 to 26, 2020. The school is organized by modl.ai in partnership with Unity, DeepMind, and Creative Assembly (more partners … read more

  • Tagged:
  • Event
  • Staff Work

Death and Macabre Aesthetics in Games Conference

May 18, 2018

On 13 May, Institute of Digital Games (IDG) lecturer Dr Daniel Vella delivered a keynote presentation at the Death and Macabre Aesthetics in Games Conference, held at the Russian State University of the Humanities in Moscow, Russia. Dr Vella's presentation, … read more

  • Tagged:
  • Event

Game Lecture Series - Future Gaming: Creative Interventions …

May 16, 2018

29th May @18h00 at the Institute of Digital Games - University of Malta Game Lectures are held approximately once a month at the IDG and are public, open, free events on weekday evenings which bring together academics, practitioners and enthusiasts with a … read more

  • Tagged:
  • Event

DMU:GAMER Networking Event

May 7, 2018

On 2nd and 3rd May, the GAMER (Games And interactive MEdia Research) group at De Montfort University organized its first networking and collaboration event. The goal of the event was to bring together a diverse group of academics and … read more

  • Tagged:
  • Staff Work

Game Lecture Series - Arcade Tales: British Arcade Play …

May 3, 2018

24th May 18h00 @ Institute of Digital Games Game Lectures are held approximately once a month at the IDG and are public, open, free events on weekday evenings which bring together academics, practitioners and enthusiasts with a common … read more

  • Tagged:
  • Event

Game Lecture Series: Game Technology & Analytics

April 23, 2018

Game Lecture Series - Game Technology and Analytics Seminar - 25th April 18h00 @ Institute of Digital Games Game Lectures are held approximately once a month at the IDG and are public, open, free events on weekday evenings which bring together academics, … read more

  • Tagged:
  • Event