About
Discover the Classics Through Digital Games
The Game
This innovative game will be cognitively engaging, gender-inclusive, eco-friendly, and anti-war. It will be available in Dutch, English, Maltese, Polish, and Ukrainian, offering players an educational experience that explores literature, history, creativity, culture, the environment, and economics.
Engaging Young Minds
Students from middle and secondary schools in Malta, Poland, and the Netherlands will take part in introductory lectures on Classics and workshops on video game development. They will also have the opportunity to contribute their own ideas, ensuring the game reflects their perspectives and creativity.
The Story Behind Project CITADEL
Project CITADEL began as a creative idea by Skye Vassallo, then a Classics student at the University of Malta’s Department of Classics and Archaeology.
While studying Survey of Classical Epic, led by Dr. Carmel Serracino—now the project’s Principal Investigator—Skye explored Homer’s Iliad through a mix of traditional and creative teaching methods, including role-playing, character skill-cards, and digital design. Inspired by these innovative approaches, she envisioned a video game based on the Iliad and developed a game demonstration as part of her coursework.
Recognizing its potential, the idea evolved beyond the classroom. The University of Malta, in collaboration with international partners, transformed it into what is now Project CITADEL—a groundbreaking initiative bringing classical literature to life through digital gaming.
Timeline
Project CITADEL’s journey is marked by key milestones and progress, bringing the vision of digital Classics education to life.
- Jan 2025 – Jul 2025
Teaching Campaign
Outreach to middle/secondary schools.
- Jul 2025 – Nov 2025
Data Collection
- Oct 2025 – Jan 2026
Digital Transformation
Data is prepared in digital format for game development.
- Nov 2025 – Apr 2026
Game Development
Video game development into a mobile app.
- Apr 2026 – Sept 2026
Launch & Dissemination
Video game is launched and promoted, and project results are disseminated.