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.
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"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
Malta Global Game Jam 2020: Make a Game in 48 Hours
The Institute of Digital Games is once again organising the Malta Global Game Jam and while many of you may already have been waiting in gleeful anticipation, allow us to briefly explain what the Malta Global Game Jam entails for the uninitiated. … read more
Board Game Play Testing Held in Collaboration with Malta …
Ready, set, PLAYTEST! We had a great night at the institute, where we were joined by MCAST students for a playtesting session. Both cohorts were required to build a board game prototype as part of the course and the evening was organised so that all groups … read more
Philosophy and Digital Games at the University of Malta - …
Dr Daniel Vella of the Institute of Digital Games, will be providing this month's game lecture and we're in for a treat since he will be presenting a version of his keynote done for the Philosophy of Video Game Conference held last month in at the State … read more
Ludomusicology 2020 - Conference on Video Game Music and …
Announcement: Ludomusicology 2020, scheduled to be held this April in Valletta, Malta has been moved to a Virtual Format. The dates are April 25th, May 2nd, May 9th. We hope you can join us! We're excited to announce that Ludomusicology … read more
Player Two - Prof. Stefano Gualeni Interviewed by Miguel …
An in-depth Interview with Prof. Stefano Gualeni with Miguel Penabella editor and columnist for Haywire Magazine with writing featured in Kill Screen, Waypoint, and Unwinnable. The full interview is available on his blog Invalid Memory. … read more
Focus on Game Philosophy - IDG at the 13th International …
The IDG has with the Philosophy of Computer Games conference series - we hosted the conference's 10th edition in Malta in 2016, and members of the IDG are regulars at the annual conference. This year was no exception. For the 13th edition of the conference … read more