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.
Find us on …
"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
Research in Generative Art presented at the EvoStar …
Two members of staff attended the EvoStar conference which took place in Trieste, Italy during April 23-25 2025. EvoStar actually acts as an umbrella term for four conferences focused on computational intelligence and artifical evolution: EuroGP … read more
Research in Procedural Content Generation presented at the …
Two members of staff attended the 20th Foundations of Digital Games Conference which took place in Vienna & Graz, Austria during April 15-18 2025. Prof. Antonios Liapis presented the paper "Diverse Level Generation via Machine Learning of Quality … read more
Chargé d’Affaires Mr. Yamaguchi from the Embassy of …
On 10th April, Mr. Tadahiko Yamaguchi, Chargé d’Affaires from the Embassy of Japan to Malta, paid a visit to the Institute of Digital Games, where he was received by IDG Director Dr. Daniel Vella. Also present during the meeting were Prof. Stefano Gualeni … read more
On Games as Theory
Politecnico di Milano is proud to welcome Stefano Gualeni with "On Games as Theory" on 24th March at 14:15 CET in a new open lecture series on Interactive Digital Narrative The series is organised by Ilaria Mariani and Mariana Ciancia … read more
What We Owe the Dead (a novel)
In a desperate attempt to lower the temperature of Earth’s atmosphere, humanity has built cooling mega-siphons. These colossal structures now hold the last remnants of our civilization. High above the scorching plains of Antarctica, in … read more
Malta Global Game Jam 2024: Jamming & Creativity …
After a brief hiatus, Malta Global Game Jam returned this year with renewed passion, bringing together 25 talented game developers, artists, designers, and storytellers from all over the island. The excitement in the room was contagious as participants … read more