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

Institute of Digital Games Faculty Members Go Abroad to …

June 24, 2022

Prof. Stefano Gualeni and Dr. Daniel Vella from the Institute of Digital Games – University of Malta travelled around the continent early this month to share parts of the research that they have been developing at the Institute. The first stop … read more

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2nd Annual Undergraduate Philosophy Conference (NYU)

April 20, 2022

And here's another announcement concerning our Prof. Stefano Gualeni. Due to his work at the intersections between philosophy and game studies, our resident Associate Professor in Game Design was invited to be a speaker for the upcoming "2nd Annual … read more

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The Futures of Games and Game Studies

March 31, 2022

Our Prof. Stefano Gualeni is among the invited speakers for the upcoming "The Futures of Games and Game Studies Symposium and Consortium", organized by Eludamos (the Journal for Computer Game Culture) together with the Centre for Computer Game Studies at the … read more

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FDG conference 2022: Deadlines Extended!

March 6, 2022

The Institute of Digital Games is heavily involved in the organization of this year's Foundations of Digital Games (FDG) international conference. The official website for the event was launched yesterday, submissions are now open, and the … read more

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Digital Entertainment Conference 2022 (in Kyoto, Japan)

February 17, 2022

Our Prof. Stefano Gualeni has been invited to be a visiting researcher for Center for Game Studies at the Ritsumeikan University of Kyoto, Japan. His appointment there will involve both remote activities and live events such as guest … read more

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Alumni Lecture Series - Interesting Talks on Videogame …

December 22, 2021

We’re excited to announce the 2020-2021 schedule of talks; The Alumni Lecture Series - Interesting Talks by IDG Graduates. The Institute of Digital Games was founded in 2013 meaning that our first graduates finished their MSc in 2015 and their PhDs in … read more

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