Workshop in Malta: Insight into the Future of AI and Game Development
As part of the Game Tech Academy project, lecturers from Dania Games and Malmö University participated in an intensive three-day workshop on AI and games at the Institute of Digital Games (IDG) at the University of Malta, held from March 6–8, 2025.
IDG is a leading center for research and education in game design, game analysis, and game technology. Their work spans multiple disciplines, including computer science, philosophy, media studies, and the social sciences. The research conducted at IDG is highly relevant to how we understand and shape tomorrow’s digital society.
By combining artificial intelligence with game design, the institute explores new possibilities in adaptive learning, emotionally responsive gameplay, and automated content generation—applications that extend well beyond entertainment. Their work on affective systems, player modelling, and procedural content generation contributes to more inclusive, personalized, and engaging digital experiences across sectors such as education, culture, and healthcare. At the same time, IDG’s strong humanistic perspective adds a critical dimension, analysing games as cultural and philosophical artifacts.
This interdisciplinary approach aligns closely with Game Tech Academy’s ambition to harness game technology as a driver for innovation and skills development across the ÖKS region.
Cutting-Edge Insights from the Workshop
The workshop offered Game Tech Academy participants direct access to cutting-edge research and practical applications of AI in games, delivered by some of Europe’s leading experts. The program covered a broad spectrum of topics—from classic gameplay agents and procedural content generation to the latest uses of Large Language Models (LLMs), computer vision, and affect-based feedback in games.
Highlights from the program include:
- Prof. Georgios Yannakakis opened the workshop with an introduction to gameplay agents and the role of AI in modern game development.
- Dr. Ahmed Khalifa presented insights into procedural content generation and how AI can be used to create dynamic and engaging game worlds.
- Prof. Antonios Liapis introduced player modelling techniques—methods to personalize gameplay based on player behaviour and preferences.
- Sessions on LLMs and games by Roberto Gallotta, and on computer vision and human affect feedback by Nemanja Rasajski and Matthew Barthet, further expanded the horizon of AI applications in games.
- Industry-relevant talks from Mighty Boards, Anvil Games Studio, and GamingMalta provided valuable insights into how AI and game tech are being applied across both digital and board game development.
The participants from Game Tech Academy described the workshop as “highly inspiring and practically relevant”, emphasizing the many opportunities to integrate research-based knowledge directly into their teaching and development practices.
International Collaboration and Future Opportunities
The visit also laid the foundation for deeper collaboration between IDG and Game Tech Academy partners in Denmark and Sweden. One key topic was how to open new academic pathways for Scandinavian students interested in pursuing advanced studies in game technology development and research. In particular, discussions explored the possibility for Danish and Swedish students to apply to the institute’s renowned MSc in Digital Games—a research-driven graduate program with a strong focus on AI, design, and game mechanics.
Additionally, participants explored how Malta’s vibrant academic research could benefit educators, students, and innovation environments tied to Game Tech Academy. Opportunities include guest lectures, joint workshops, collaborative development initiatives, and future research partnerships.
This workshop serves as a clear example of how Game Tech Academy is contributing to the building of cross-border bridges between academia, industry, and education—fostering a shared European ecosystem for innovation in game technology.
Contact
With questions about Game Tech Academy, please contact Luisa Geitmann-Mügge at luisa.geitmann-mugge@aalborg.dk.
