The University of Malta has been recognised as one of just three leading universities worldwide inspiring the next generation of game designers, alongside New York University and Abertay University in Scotland.
Featured in a recent spotlight on pioneering institutions, the University of Malta’s Institute of Digital Games has earned its place thanks to its innovative approach to both research and teaching in the fast-growing field of digital game design.
Although only established a little over a decade ago, the institute has already produced more than 130 academic publications – ranging from conference papers and journal articles to books and book chapters – positioning it as a hub of academic and creative excellence.
The Institute is led by a diverse team of experts spanning computer science, literature, philosophy, media studies, social sciences, and of course, game design itself. This multidisciplinary foundation ensures students not only learn the technical aspects of creating games but also engage with their cultural, social, and philosophical impact.
Students enrolled in Malta’s MSc in Digital Games programme benefit from this breadth of expertise, balancing theory and practice while also developing essential skills in areas such as project and business management. The programme offers two specialist pathways: Game Analysis and Design or Game Technology and Design, both of which prepare graduates for the demands of today’s global games industry.
Graduates of the programme conclude their studies with either a fully-developed digital game or a theory-based dissertation, leaving them well-equipped to pursue careers in the gaming sector or continue into PhD-level research. Some students even manage to make an impact in the industry before completing their studies, underlining the programme’s strength in bridging academia and professional practice.
Being highlighted alongside world-renowned institutions such as NYU and Abertay cements the University of Malta’s reputation as a serious player in international games education and research – and as a launching pad for the visionary designers who will shape the industry in years to come.
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Written By
Nicole Zammit
When she’s not writing articles at work or poetry at home, you’ll find her taking long walks in the countryside, pumping iron at the gym, caring for her farm animals, or spending quality time with family and friends. In short, she’s always on the go, drawing inspiration from the little things around her, and constantly striving to make the ordinary extraordinary.
