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
Chicken and Egg (public talk)
Which came first: the chicken or the egg? This talk by IGD's Stefano Gualeni will settle this issue once and for all. This upcoming public talk, part of the Cafe' Scientifique talk series is titled: ‘Chicken and Egg’ philosophical play with … read more
CHI case study on Board Game Prototyping
We are happy to announce that a Case Study was accepted to CHI 2017, co-authored by IDG staff Antonios Liapis. The paper, titled "Board Game Prototyping to Co-Design a Better Location-Based Digital Game", discusses the rationale and process of iteratively … read more
Job opportunities with the IDG
Interested in working with the Institute of Digital Games? We are looking for full-time or part-time PhD students but also developers/programmers to work with us on the ENVISAGE and CROSSCULT European projects, as well as any other projects undertaken by the … read more
Game Lecture: Valéry Bollier
The Game Lecture series continues on Tuesday 28 February 2017, with Valéry Bollier discussing the concept, design and technological infrastructure of Daily Fantasy Sports. As usual, the Game Lectures are free and open to the public, so … read more
The Experience Machine
In case you are interested, Stefano's article titled The Experience Machine: Existential Reflections on Virtual Worlds - a more complete and rigorous version of an argument that he originally presented in his recent public talk at IDG - is … read more
Game Lecture: Coline Pannier
We are starting 2017 with a new series of Game Lectures. Our first lecture in February is by Coline Pannier who will be discussing her experiences in designing games for systemic change and how to transform the way we use our planet's resources. The lecture … read more