can literally lose track of time, experimenting and comparing their gaming experiences. Each game sparks a desire to try others, to experiment, and to make comparisons, offering a way to deepen one’s passion and knowledge of video games—especially as different generations come together to discuss gaming experiences that, while changing over time, sometimes pay tribute to the traditions of the past. By opening a museum dedicated to video games,
Italy has also inspired other countries and is one of the three founding members of the European Federation of Game Preservation Museums, Archives, and Institutions (EFGAMP). We wanted to showcase the value of “Made in Italy” video games through unique artifacts: in addition to presenting important pieces already displayed at Vigamus, we have added new ones, including unique objects related to the first iconic racing titles developed by Milestone, the renowned Milan-based studio that represents an Italian excellence in the global racing games industry. Furthermore, we are exhibiting the original dev
kit from the studio that developed two significant comic-based titles, including Martin Mystère and Diabolik. This holds dual value—both cultural and national—since it celebrates iconic Italian comics that have achieved international success, in connection with video games developed in Italy based on these historic brands. We are also working on other very important and
delicate items, some of which will be revealed soon as a surprise, but for now, we prefer not to disclose any details.
How did you decide on the thematic areas and layout of the museum? Can you share more details about what visitors can expect to experience in each? The museum is structured into three main areas, each with its own identity and functionality. The first of these is GAMMDOME, the most iconic and innovative area, which I mentioned earlier. This is a space dedicated to exhibits, experiences, and entertainment, where visitors can discover the history of video games in an engaging, fun, and educational way. This makes GAMMDOME particularly suitable for school visits of all levels, universities, and anyone wishing to explore this subject further. The area features a series of dynamic digital panels that tell the stories of video games, complemented by contributions from renowned creators, thematic exhibits, and in-depth looks at specific topics. Additionally, there are several video game montages that showcase what is happening in the industry, along with interactive screens that allow visitors to dive deeper, have fun with quizzes
to test their video game knowledge, and engage with content designed for younger audiences, such as children, who can both enjoy and learn more about a hobby they likely love. All of this is accompanied by display cases with physical objects, essential elements in a video game museum. The other two areas are the Path of Arcadia
(PARC) and the Historical Playground (HIP). PARC is dedicated to the history of arcade titles, which represent the first and most iconic pioneering developments in the video game industry, starting from the 1970s. This section focuses on original titles and reproductions that offer visitors a wide range of experiences, exploring the so-called Golden Age of coin-ops, usually spanning from 1978 to the mid-1980s. The focus then shifts toward the end of the millennium, stopping just before the turn of the century, to examine the evolution of arcade games. Finally, on the lower floor of GAMM, you’ll find
the most important element of the new museum, the Historical Playground (HIP), an interactive area dedicated to showcasing gameplay. In this space, the work of game designers—unique professionals in the world of video games—is explored in detail. HIP is a permanent exhibit that offers dozens of gaming stations, both old and new, ranging from the earliest video games to the frontiers of virtual reality. These stations display various video game genres, each designed to appeal to different types of players, and demonstrate how game structure and gameplay are developed to engage the user. This area is crucial for a video game museum, as it
highlights all the professional roles involved in video game development, such as writing, art direction, music, and sound effects. While GAMMDOME delves into these aspects, PARC and, especially, HIP focus on the concept of the game itself. Here,
“The goal is to create something truly innovative, capable of addressing the main challenge of gaming: its rapid evolution”
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