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Three students present research at the world's largest Game Studies Conference

Three M.Sc. students from the Institute of Digital Games recently took the international stage at , the largest academic game studies conference in the world. Hosted this year by Maynooth University in Ireland from 14 to 18 June, the Digital Games Research Association (DiGRA) conference is one of the main global venues for the study of games and play.

Abstract submissions to DiGRA are competitive and peer-reviewed. Having three student papers accepted—with full papers published in the open-access —is a massive testament to the quality and real-world relevance of the research being conducted at the Institute of Digital Games.

Student research presented

Paul Psaila presented his research on using deception in VR games: Deceptive Design in VR Games: Lies that invite Surprise and Pleasure

Lynda McDonald drew upon her industry experience combining this with her academic research and presented her research related to accessibility in games: How Accessible QTE Inputs Reshape Suspense Trajectories in Survival Horror

Barnabas Springer chaired two sessions in addition to presenting his research related to cultural heritage and games: Playable folklore - Digital games and the representation of folklore and Cultural Heritage.

Student participation at the event was fully funded by the Institute of Digital Games Travel Grant, a dedicated fund set up specifically to help our students share their research with the global academic community.

Based in Malta, connected to the world

In addition to current students, several of our alumni like Robin Zingarelli, currently a holder at Brunel University, and Romi Sofia Abatangelo, currently Ph.D. candidate at University of Turin, also presented their research at the conference.

Following the incredible experience of hosting the global DiGRA community right here in Malta last year, we are thrilled to see our students and alumni continue to shape the international conversation surrounding game design and theory.

Are you looking to start your postgraduate exploration of game research? Visit the Institute of Digital Games to find out more or subscribe to their .