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

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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 L.
Graduated in 2024
Luca S.
Graduated in 2019
Malcom G.
Graduated in 2023

Blog What we have been up to lately

IDG Hosts the Malta Global Game Jam for the 6th time

February 1, 2018

The Global Game Jam is a creative event where you team up with other people to make a playable game in 48 hours. On the 26th to 28th of January this year, jammers made games in more than 295 sites in 60 countries! The Malta chapter of the Global … read more

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CANCELLED - Game Lecture - Susan Gold - 5th February

January 18, 2018

NOTE: This lecture has been canceled as Prof. Susan Gold is unable to travel at the moment. Stay tuned for more Game Lectures coming up and we hope to welcome her once again sometime in the future. Susan Gold - 5th February 2018 - 18h00 @ Institute of … read more

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CURIO Kickoff Event (Jan 19th)

January 6, 2018

In case you are interested in games, education, curiosity, and game design, the international team behind project CURIO (‘A Teaching Toolkit for Fostering Scientific Curiosity’) is excited to invite you the CURIO Kickoff Event which will take place 19th … read more

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Newsletter

January 1, 2018

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Interview on 'playable philosophy'

December 13, 2017

Dr. Stefano Gualeni was interviewed by Radio Beckwith (Turin, Italy) on topics concerning his works on ‘playable philosophy’ and the experiential and existential relationships we can establish with virtual worlds. The interview, … read more

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IDG staff at the Dagstuhl Seminar on AI-Driven Game Design

December 4, 2017

IDG staff members Georgios N. Yannakakis and Antonios Liapis attended the Dagstuhl Seminar 17471 titled "Artificial and Computational Intelligence in Games: AI-Driven Game Design". This highly prestigious seminar is accessible by invititation only, and it is … read more

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