The Switch 2 has just been announced, and already people are wondering whether it will be a hit or not.
From a technical standpoint, it seems like a remarkable evolution, but how much will it cost?Follow Buona la Prima on YouTube.

Welcome to the second episode of "Happy First Time"! Today we're diving into a surprising (or maybe just a little crazy) statistic: it seems that 14% of American gamers have never put down their 2000 consoles. But why? Nostalgia? A revolt against day-one patches? Unbridled collecting?

Let's find out together what this means for the video game industry and why, sometimes, blowing on the good old disc can be incredibly appealing. Get ready for a journey into the past that peeks into the future (with a retro controller in hand)!

Follow Buona la Prima on Youtube.

Today, in our podcast, we're diving into a sea of trivia about Boat Game, Supercell's latest creation.

We haven't had a chance to try it out ourselves yet (we're queuing up for the alpha!), but we've scoured the web and discovered a few interesting tidbits: from the navigation system to the pirate-like gunplay, to a possible touch of crafting.

So, we ask ourselves: will it be a hit like Clash Royale, or will it remain a sunken treasure?

Let us know what you think! And above all, if you want to support the channel (and allow us to continue this video game pirate chatter), hit that magical 'Like' button, subscribe, and leave us a comment.

Every click is a lifeline for our little crew of content creators.

Enjoy the show, and... good luck to everyone!

Death Stranding 2 is official!
Hideo Kojima is back, and with him, a new chapter in his bizarre and divisive saga.
Will this sequel fix the slow pacing and overloaded storytelling of the first game?
Or are we looking at another beautifully crafted yet frustratingly tedious experience?
In this episode, we dive into the 10-minute trailer, what we know so far, and whether Kojima has something revolutionary in store for us—or just more package delivery across dystopian landscapes.

Microsoft plans to launch a new Xbox in 2026, but does it really make sense? With PlayStation dominating the console war and Microsoft seemingly more interested in bringing its games everywhere than selling hardware, does it still make sense to invest in a new generation of consoles?

In this episode, we discuss:

Will Xbox become a multi-platform game publisher instead of continuing to fight a losing battle?

Should they abandon consoles and focus solely on Game Pass and cloud gaming?

Is this new console a last-ditch effort to stay relevant, or does Microsoft really have a winning plan?

🕹️ What do you think? Is a new console better than a hardware-free future? Tell us in the comments!

📢 If you like these topics, leave a LIKE and SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a thing!

A single developer, a few AI tools, and in just a few days, Fly Pieter was born, a flight simulator that has already generated insane profits. But are we really witnessing a revolution in video game development or just another viral phenomenon?

We're talking about it today:

✈️ How Fly Pieter is making huge profits with very little development

🤖 AI can democratize video game development, but can it reach such heights?

🎮 Why AI helps, but isn't enough to make a great game

🚀 Is AI changing everything, or are we just risking filling the market with mediocre games? Have your say in the comments!

🔥 Leave a LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to support our podcast and stay up-to-date on the world of gaming!

Ubisoft is facing one of the most serious crises in its history: commercial flops, game delays, investor revolt, and a possible restructuring that could split the company in two. In this video, we analyze everything that's happening, from investor accusations against the Guillemot family's leadership to secret negotiations with Microsoft, Tencent, and Electronic Arts.

What does all this mean for the future of Ubisoft and its games? Will Assassin's Creed Shadows really be the title that saves the company? And above all, could this crisis lead to better management? Let's find out together in this episode of Buona la Prima!

Don't forget to like, subscribe to the channel, and tell us what you think about this situation in the comments!

In this episode of Buona la Prima, we discuss news that's shaking the gaming world: Tencent has invested €1.2 billion in a new company created by Ubisoft to manage its most iconic franchises like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six.

But all that glitters is not gold. Rumor has it that Ubisoft is purposely dismantling itself, perhaps to declare bankruptcy, cancel debts, and free itself from obligations to its developers, many of whom have seen bonuses frozen in exchange for now-virtually worthless shares.

What's really going on?

👉 Is Ubisoft saving itself or selling off its soul?

👉 Is Tencent the savior or the shark smelling blood?

👉 And what does all this mean for fans and the future of the most beloved IPs?

🎙️ We're talking about it openly, without filters, in our usual style.

👇 Leave a comment, tell us what you think, and subscribe so you don't miss the next episodes!

The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here, and in this episode of Buona la Prima, we analyze all the technical innovations that promise to revolutionize the gaming experience.

What you'll discover in this episode:

7.9" Full HD 120Hz display

Magnetic Joy-Con controllers with mouse function

GameChat for video calls and screen sharing

GameShare for multiple players playing with a single copy

Official support for GameCube games via Nintendo Switch Online

10 times the graphics power of the original Switch

Let's just talk about hardware, services, and strategic vision. Is it really worth the €449 price tag? Has Nintendo finally made the generational leap we've all been waiting for?

Tell us what you think in the comments, leave a like if you enjoyed the episode, and subscribe so you don't miss future episodes of Buona la Prima.

Yes, you read that right: Sony has increased the price of the PS5 Digital Edition by 50 euros. In 2025. Mid-cycle. And while everyone was waiting for a discount, the blow arrives.

In this episode of Buona la Prima we analyze:

Why the increase is an absurd decision on an industrial level

The drop in the price of the optical drive: consolation or strategy?

Rumors of a new portable PlayStation: is the PS Vita coming back?

And above all: why it all smacks of aggressive marketing

With our usual direct, no-holds-barred style, we explain why this move makes no sense, neither for gamers nor for the market.

🎧 Listen to the full episode and let us know in the comments:

Is Sony relaunching or is it losing control?

lair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the first title from the French studio Sandfall Interactive, yet it looks like it came out of a AAA studio with 200 people and a blockbuster budget.
But the truth is quite different: the core team is just 30 people, supported by around 50 external collaborators. With a clear vision, a tight-knit team, and the right ideas, they’ve managed to create a turn-based RPG that blends the elegance of the Belle Époque with inspirations ranging from Final Fantasy to Sekiro.

In the new episode of "Buona la Prima", we explore:

• Who Sandfall Interactive is

• How they technically built the game using Unreal Engine 5

• The production vision behind such an ambitious project

• And why Clair Obscur might be the real surprise of 2025

Let me know if you'd like a more formal or marketing-style version!

In recent years, we’ve seen a true wave of remakes in the gaming world: Resident Evil 4, Dead Space, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, The Last of Us Part I, Metal Gear Solid Δ, Silent Hill 2...

But what does this trend really say about the industry?
Are we living through a new golden age… or just a constant cycle of recycling disguised as nostalgia?

Tell us: which remake really impressed you? And which one made you think, “Come on, that’s enough…”?

Listen, subscribe, and if you like our style—share the episode!

Vice City is back. Lucia is ready. The world has gone wild. But how much truth is there in the GTA VI trailers?

In this episode of Buona la Prima, we dive into the GTA VI phenomenon starting with its trailers:

• Technical details, visual style, and character choices

• Social satire or premium marketing?

• What’s actual gameplay and what’s just cinematic flair?

• And how do you even make a trailer like this?

Rockstar has shown us a distorted, magnetic Florida—a mix of TikTok, Bonnie & Clyde, and Narcos... But beneath it all, how real is the promise?

Leave a comment, subscribe, and tell us if you too were glued to the screen with your jaw on the floor.

Microsoft might be preparing something huge: according to the latest rumors, Steam could be coming to the next Xbox.

Yes, we're talking about the world’s most powerful PC game library—running directly on a console.

But is it really possible? And more importantly: what does it mean for the industry?

In this episode of Buona la Prima, we break down:

• The sources and behind-the-scenes whispers

• The real technical challenges (spoiler: there are many)

• What this could mean for PlayStation, Game Pass, and Steam Deck

• Why this move might change everything

If Steam really lands on Xbox… we’re no longer talking about a console war.
We’re talking about a revolution.

Subscribe, leave a comment, and tell us: would you actually use Steam on your Xbox?

In this episode of Buona la Prima, we sit down with Andrea Sanna, Lead Hard Surface 3D Artist at Wargaming and current team lead on Steel Hunters at DPS Games. With a career that spans Sony, Criterion, Meta, and more, Andrea brings serious firepower to the conversation.

This is an episode for artists, devs, mech-heads, and anyone who thinks shaders and UV maps are sexy.

Drop your questions for Andrea in the comments!

And don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & HIT THE BELL to never miss a drop from Buona la Prima.

Today on Buona la Prima we're talking about a phenomenon that caught everyone by surprise:
Grow a Garden, the new game on Roblox, hit a peak of 8.9 million concurrent players, even surpassing Steam in numbers.

A virtual garden worth more than a thousand AAA titles.

In this episode, we dive into:

• What makes Grow a Garden so viral

• Why its success is a lesson for the entire industry

• What it tells us about the future of gaming and low-stress productions

We’re sharing stats, insights… and even a few provocations.

Drop us a comment: would you play a game like this?

In this episode of Buona la Prima, we explore design, video games, and creative vision with Daniele Barone, founder of Biunivoca, a studio that fuses art, interaction, and technology into unconventional digital experiences.

An episode packed with insights for anyone working in (or aspiring to enter) the world of interactive design and game development.

Check out Biunivoca: https://www.biunivoca.com/

In this episode of Buona la Prima, we break down Xbox’s massive announcement:

Microsoft is officially working on its next-gen ecosystem, not just a new console, but a full lineup including handhelds, cloud-native devices, and accessories. Oh, and did we mention the multi-year strategic partnership with AMD to co-engineer custom silicon for everything? Yep.

We dive into:

• Why Xbox is betting big on cross-device gaming

• What AMD’s involvement really means

• Is this the end of the console war as we know it?

• The vision for a borderless Xbox experience across Windows, cloud, and beyond

Sarah Bond and Lisa Su have laid out a future that’s bold, ambitious and platform-agnostic.
We tell you what matters, what could change the industry and why you should (or shouldn’t) be hyped.

Drop a comment, give us a like and don’t forget to subscribe if you’re into spicy industry news and strong opinions, straight from the heart of game development.

n the latest episode of Buona la Prima, we dive into Blood Message, the ambitious single-player title by NetEase that left everyone stunned with its trailer inspired by the Tang Dynasty.
A blend of action, stealth, and narrative tension that already looks ready to challenge Western gaming giants.

But it’s not just about style: the engine powering the game is Unreal Engine 5.6, which promises 30% improved performance, more stable ray tracing, and ultra-smooth loading thanks to its new streaming system.
A technical leap that could truly change the game for AAA developers.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why Blood Message is much more than just a pretty demo

• All the new features of Unreal Engine 5.6 explained simply

• The future of narrative-driven games made in Asia

Localization and AI in Video Games: Where Does Efficiency End and the Pitfall Begin?

In this episode of Buona La Prima, we talk with Nicola Zonca, founder of Native Prime, about a hot topic: the use (and abuse) of artificial intelligence in localization and dubbing processes.

We start with the case of The Alters, where AI-generated text accidentally ended up in the game, and broaden the discussion:

• Can AI truly help with localization?

• What gets lost when humans are cut out?

• Is it just about budget… or respect for the player?

An unfiltered conversation with one of the most experienced pros in the field. If you work in gaming, localization, audio, or just care about well-made (and well-translated) games, don’t miss this.

Spoiler alert: soul? AI still doesn’t have it.

In recent days, there’s been a lot of talk about one statistic: American Gen Z supposedly cut their video game spending by 25%. But if you look closer… that figure only covers January to April, historically the slowest period of the year for gaming.

In this episode of Buona la Prima, Pietro and Sergio bust the alarmism with a bit of healthy realism:

• Gen Z is still playing plenty

• The drop affects all youth consumption, not just video games

• And the data? It comes from the quietest quarter of the year, with April being notoriously a black hole for game sales

So, are we really facing a crisis… or just a well-crafted clickbait?

Drop us a comment if you’ve felt the same way: young people might be spending less, but they’re definitely not putting down the controller.

In this episode of Buona La Prima, we asked ourselves: “Okay, no big bombs... but can we at least find a few grenades?”

So here we are with 5 gaming news stories that might seem kinda “meh” at first glance — but actually say a lot about where the industry is headed:

• Who are the real contenders for Game of the Year 2025?

• Netflix is taking another shot at a live-action Assassin’s Creed series

• The Chinese Room goes independent again (with some behind-the-scenes tea)

• Xbox Game Pass adds more day-one releases

• Nintendo starts fueling the hype for Switch 2 with a packed release calendar

And watch out for the twist: Metacritic’s mid-year data reveals some unexpected trends (Donkey Kong, anyone? Yep, Donkey Kong).

Tune in till the end — we’ve sprinkled in a bit of spice too.

Sony Is Changing Everything.
After years of fiercely defending exclusives, the Japanese giant has officially confirmed it will bring some of its biggest titles to other platforms.
But what does that really mean?

In the new episode of Buona la Prima, we dive into it — especially with Sergio, a veteran with 30 years of game development experience — to unpack:

Which titles are actually involved?

Is this just about PC, or are Xbox and Switch also in the mix?

What are the technical implications (engine compatibility, save files, crossplay)?

What’s really driving this shift — is it about money, reach, or something else?

Is this truly the end of the exclusive wars… or just a well-timed tactical move?

A packed (but also light-hearted) episode where we ask: is this a historic turning point, or just polished marketing?

🎧 Tune in and let us know your thoughts in the comments!

EA Sports FC Mobile is soaring… but is the credit due to Vancouver or Shanghai?

In this episode of Buona La Prima, we discuss the contradiction between managing a global brand and entrusting its development to local teams — with a focus on EA’s strategy to “export” its mobile brain to China.

A brilliant move or a sign of structural weakness?

📊 Sources and reports:

https://sensortower.com

https://www.ea.com/investor-relations

https://www.gamesindustry.biz

Roblox has seen staggering numbers: 111.8 million daily active users, up 41% from last year, and engagement exceeding 27 billion hours. But the spark that ignited this boom has a specific name: Grow a Garden, the viral experience that captured millions of players in a very short time.

In this episode of Buona La Prima, we analyze how a single piece of content can propel an entire platform, discussing with Sergio whether virality is the result of pure luck or can be planned. We'll discuss design, community, timing, and the risks of overly reliant on a trend.

💬 What do you think? Is it possible to replicate the success of Grow a Garden, or was it just a "magic moment" that won't happen again?

Clash Royale is back — and stronger than ever. 📈

After years of decline, Supercell’s strategy has completely turned the game around. In this episode of Buona La Prima, we break down the April economy overhaul that doubled revenue, boosted downloads, and pushed Clash Royale into the Top 5 mobile games worldwide by MAU.

We’ll explore:

-How removing chest queues and timers reshaped progression.

-Why Supercell closed the season shop and moved rewards into events.

-The impact of locking the first 6-elixir Champion behind a $12.99 Diamond Pass.

-What this means for Supercell’s broader portfolio and identity as a company.

Is this the start of a new golden age for Clash Royale, or the moment Supercell finally abandoned its “different from the rest” philosophy?

After a seven-year wait, Hollow Knight: Silksong is finally here.

An almost symbolic price (€19.50), one of the most anticipated games since GTA, and the result? All digital stores—Steam, PlayStation, Nintendo, and even Game Pass—collapsed under the weight of downloads.

In this episode of Buona la Prima, we analyze what really happened:

-Why the launch was a technical disaster despite commercial success

-Criticism of Team Cherry and digital stores

-The price debate: historic opportunity or danger for indie games?

-"SNES-like" graphics or evocative art style?

-Why Silksong will remain a case study for years

A triumph and a failure at the same time, a video game that raised the bar and exposed the fragility of the digital market.

In this episode of Buona La Prima, we sit down with Paolo Gambardella, a recognized expert in game design, to discuss what it really means to go from 0 to 1 in creating a successful entertainment service for mobile games.

Paolo shares his vision on:

• The ideation and pre-production phases of a mobile game.

• Why instincts and player motivations are key to building lasting experiences.

• How to adopt a service-oriented mindset, focusing on superfans rather than casual players.

• The delicate balance between creativity and monetization metrics.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone in the games industry who wants to understand how to design with superfans at the center, while navigating the “it depends” reality of game development.

🎙️ Hosted by Pietro Faccio and Sergio Rocco.

Electronic Arts, one of the biggest names in the gaming industry, has just been acquired in an unprecedented $55 billion deal – the largest buyout gaming has ever seen.

In this episode of Buona La Prima, Pietro and Sergio unpack:

-What this record-breaking acquisition means for EA and the industry.

-How such a massive valuation reshapes the balance of power in gaming.

-The future of EA’s flagship franchises like FIFA, Battlefield, Apex Legends and The Sims.

-Whether this move signals the beginning of a new wave of mega-acquisitions in the industry.

🎙️ Join us as we explore the implications of this historic deal, both for publishers and for players.

The mobile gaming landscape just changed — and most players have no idea.
The Digital Markets Act in Europe and several US court rulings are finally opening the gates of the mobile ecosystem: developers can now sell directly to players, bypassing Apple and Google’s 30% store fees.

In this episode of Buona la Prima, Pietro breaks down:

• What exactly the new rules allow
• Why Epic vs Apple was only the beginning
• How companies like Xsolla are helping devs take back control
• And what this could mean for game prices, offers, and long-term monetization

🎙️ With special commentary from Sergio Rocco.

Roblox today is no longer just a game for kids.

It's a platform with 112 million daily active users, where games like Steal a Brainrot or Grow a Garden reach tens of billions of views.

But why do these absurd titles, built in a few days, work, and not other more serious ones?

In this episode, we analyze the data shown at the Big Screen Gaming Summit 2025 and try to answer a simple question:

👉 Who decides today what a video game really is?

The never-ending debate: is virtual reality the future of video games or just a dream that never takes off?

In this episode of Buona la Prima, Pietro and Sergio host Davide La Sala, an expert in VR and innovation, to discuss the present and future of virtual reality.

💬 Pietro remains skeptical: graphics are too polygonal, experiences are still too boring, and an audience that doesn't seem to really get into it.

🚀 But Davide (and Sergio too!) see it differently: VR is evolving rapidly, headsets are improving, and the next technological leap is just around the corner.

Who will be right?

Find out in this chat filled with skepticism, enthusiasm, and some bold predictions about the metaverse that (perhaps) will never arrive.

🎙️ Buona la Prima – the podcast that talks about video games, but not like the others.

In this episode of Buona La Prima, we tackle a hot topic for the future of European gaming: the European Union's Digital Fairness Act.

In the studio with Gabriele Aimone, we analyze the open letter from Supercell CEO Ilkka Paananen, accusing Brussels of risking killing the golden goose of European gaming.

We talk about dark patterns, free-to-play, virtual currencies, and how regulation can impact the gaming experience, business models, and innovation.

Is it right to limit certain designs, or are we just making it impossible to create games in Europe?

👉 Listen, comment, and let us know where you stand.

Over the last three years, the video game industry has seen over 45,000 layoffs, a number that feels surreal for a sector that was once called “recession-proof.”

In this episode of Buona La Prima, we dig into what’s really happening:

Are big publishers cutting too deep?

Why are so many studios closing despite record game sales?

Is this a correction, or the start of a new era for developers?

We’ll talk about the economic, cultural, and leadership mistakes that led to this mess, and what could actually fix it.

🎧 Hosted by Pietro Faccio and Sergio Rocco

📊 Data from 2022–2025 reports and verified public sources

💬 Join the conversation in the comments: how do you see the future of work in games?

#GameIndustry #Layoffs #GamingBusiness #BuonaLaPrima #GameDev

PlayStation is breaking its own rules.

Recent leaks show tags like “PS5/PC” and “Cross-Buy” hidden in the PlayStation Store code — hinting that Sony might finally let players buy a game once and play it on both PS5 and PC.

Is this the start of a new strategy? Or a sign that the old console model is running out of steam?

In this episode, Pietro and Sergio dive into what this could mean for Sony, developers, and the future of the PlayStation ecosystem.

🎧 Topics we cover:

– Why Sony might be opening up to PC now

– What “Cross-Buy” really means for business and players

– The technical and financial challenges behind it

– How this move compares to Xbox’s strategy

👉 Subscribe for more honest, no-BS discussions about the gaming industry, every week on Buona La Prima.

🎤 Ever felt overwhelmed by the self-publishing landscape?
🤔 You're not alone! In our latest episode, we discuss the common fears and pressures that creators face.
Learn why finding the right audience can feel like a daunting task.

#Podcast #IndieDev #SelfPublishing #CreativeJourney #GameDesign #Visibility #AudienceBuilding #GamingIndustry #CommunitySupport

Explore the groundbreaking collaboration between Unity and Epic Games, as they join forces to improve interoperability and redefine the gaming landscape.
Discover how this partnership opens up new opportunities for developers and reshapes market dynamics.

In this episode of Buona La Prima, we discuss the Horses case, the psychological horror game from Italian studio Santa Ragione banned from Steam without a single explanation.
A decision that risks ruining the game's entire launch and perhaps the studio's survival.

The question is simple and uncomfortable: how healthy is a PC market where a single player can decide the fate of a project, without any transparency?
Especially when other platforms—Epic, GOG, Itch, and Humble—approved the title without issue, and when the game was duly rated PEGI and ESRB.

In this episode, we analyze:

• the story behind the Steam ban,

• the impact of “de facto monopolies” on the indie market,

• what happens when creativity hits invisible walls,

• and what this story says about the future of digital platforms.

An episode that makes you angry, think, and discuss.
If you're interested in understanding how the PC gaming ecosystem really works... this is for you.

Episode 41 of Buona La Prima is out, and this time we went straight into the fire.
Not the PR version. Not the “synergies and opportunities” brochure.
The real story.

We break down three uncomfortable angles everyone is tiptoeing around:

Netflix's subscription model vs the brutal economics of AAA

You can't run blockbuster game development like a content treadmill. Someone will get hurt.

The truth about gaming subscriptions

It's a $11B slice in a $190B market. Growing, yes — but is there really room for another big player?

The impact on people

With the industry already facing 16,000+ layoffs, adding a mega-deal promising billions in “synergies” won't calm the waters.

It's a huge move with massive implications: for studios, workers, IP, and the future direction of gaming as a whole.

Netflix Is Acquiring Warner Bros. Games

Is It a Mistake?

In this episode of Buona La Prima, we take a step back and see what this deal actually is:
a massive media acquisition driven by regulation, consolidation, and the economics of streaming, not a grand vision for gaming.

We explore why gaming, as uncomfortable as it may seem, is largely marginal to this equation.

It's not about hype.
It's about understanding who really benefits, who bears the risk, and why the long-term consequences, especially for games and the people who make them, could be very different from those of the titles.

Chicos, fue un año especial: vimos 42 episodios de Buona La Prima y 11 mil suscriptores. ¡Los queremos!

In episode 44 of Buona La Prima, we host Marco Mazzaglia to talk about something simple to say but difficult to do: designing games (and mechanics) that truly change the way we think, learn, and behave.

We begin with his experience in the game industry (since 2008, on about 30 titles) and move on to his teaching work on Game Design and Game Thinking, before delving into the crucial topic: how Game Thinking can be used in companies and SMEs for training and marketing—without falling into the trap of gamification with points and badges.

In between: concrete examples, typical mistakes, what really works and what's just smoke and mirrors. An episode for those who make video games, but also for those who want to understand why certain experiences stick with you and others don't.

With Marco Joele Nicolini we went through the ins and outs of why QA is not considered as high as it should.
We've also discussed when and how to use external partners.

Ubisoft just smashed the big red RESET button — and it wasn't the fun kind.

In Ep. 46 of Buona La Prima (this week in English), we dig into why the latest Ubisoft moves feel less like a turnaround and more like portfolio triage:
• 6 games cancelled, including Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake
• 7 projects delayed
• 2 studios closed
• Layoffs starting Feb 12, 2026
• Expected ~€1B net loss for FY2026
• Market reaction: -34% stock drop, hitting a 13-year low

And this lands just two months after Tencent's €1.16B investment for a ~25–26% minority stake in “Vantage Studios”, focused on the crown jewels: Assassin's Creed / Far Cry / Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six.

Ubisoft says: “quality, focus, less risk.”
My take: this is survival-mode finance wearing a creative hat.

Question: does doubling down on legacy IP actually save a AAA publisher… or does it quietly kill their ability to take risks (and stay interesting)?

Google just released Genie 3: a playable world model that lets you start with an image, create an environment and a character… and then jump in and play in real time. It sounds like science fiction, but it's already here (with very real limitations: restricted access and 60-second sessions).

In this episode we talk about:
• What is Genie 3 and why is it different from “a cool AI video”
• What actually works and what is still “beta with elbows” today
• Why the “AI = end of video games” narrative is a non-gamer's read
• And above all: how is it possible that a clip (and even a few fake ones) contributed to the stock market panic in gaming-related stocks

🎧 Enjoy the show and as always: open comments, even if you're just here to argue politely.

#BuonaLaPrima #Genie3 #GoogleAI #Gemini #AI #Videogames #GamingIndustry #GameDev #Tech #WorldModels #Robotics

Most companies are rushing to reverse to full in-office work, but what if the key to happier, more productive teams lies in resisting that urge?
Pietro and Sergio dive into the hot debate around remote work at Ubisoft Milan, revealing how reversing flexible policies can backfire and what truly drives employee satisfaction and efficiency. After a recent strike and internal turmoil, the industry is waking up to a stark reality: forcing everyone back to the office may do more harm than good.

You'll discover:

-The real motivations behind Ubisoft Milan's strike and what it signals for the industry at large
-Why the visibility of remote work disputes often masks deeper issues in company culture
-How rigid in-office mandates threaten talent retention in competitive markets
-Practical insights on balancing remote and in-person work for optimized productivity
-The critical distinctions between “smart working,” “remote work,” and their legal implications

In an era where the future of work is still being written, understanding these dynamics is vital for leaders and employees alike. Ignore this debate at your peril—missing the shift could mean losing your best talent or falling behind industry standards.

Join us and Stefano Silvestri, veteran journalist and founder of TechTalking.it, as he explores the evolution of gaming journalism from its print roots to today's digital landscape.
Discover how the passion and authenticity of past print media can inspire a revival in today's tech storytelling. Stefano shares captivating stories from the golden age of gaming magazines, revealing how genuine engagement and creativity once fueled industry success.
Learn why these elements are crucial for restoring authenticity in modern media. Perfect for media professionals and enthusiasts eager to reconnect with the true spirit of gaming and technology.

Discover the untold story of Italy's gaming industry with Ivan Venturi, a pioneer in Italian software houses. From the 80s' home computers to the rise of indie studios, Ivan reveals the technological breakthroughs and cultural shifts that shaped Italy's gaming landscape.
Learn how limited resources fueled innovation, leading to global recognition today.
Key highlights include:

• Transition from floppy disks to digital distribution

• Italy's unique culture of innovation

• Rise of indie studios and government support

• Success stories like Stormind Games and Ravenous Devils
  

Perfect for game developers, industry veterans, and anyone curious about the intersection of technology and culture in gaming. Tune in to see how Italy's gaming story is one of resilience and bold innovation.

Explore the groundbreaking potential of Microsoft's new Xbox Helix in this episode! Join Pietro Faccio and Sergio Rocco as they dive into the specs and vision behind this hybrid console. Discover how Helix could redefine gaming with its powerful AMD-based architecture, AI integration, and cross-platform capabilities. Is this the future of gaming? Tune in to find out!

In this live discussion, Pietro and Gustav dissect the surprising triumph of Battlefield 6, which pushed past $80 million in revenue despite being a premium AAA title—a genre many believe is dying. They explore how the game's smart price targeting, audience understanding, and innovative marketing strategies buck conventional industry trends.

Discover how the difference in market approach, from free-to-play models to premium experiences, influences success in today's volatile market.
You'll break down the key topics:

• The resurgence of premium AAA games like Battlefield 6 amid a sea of ​​free-to-play titles
  

• The shifting consumer expectations and how pricing strategies impact sales and engagement
  

• Why genre isn't dead—it's evolving, and creating a diverse game portfolio is more critical than ever
  

• The role of targeted marketing, social media engagement, and understanding your audience's price sensitivity
  

• How new models, like live service withdrawals and social gaming, are shaping industry dynamics in 2025

The PS5 price has risen by €100, but what does it really mean for the gaming market? In this episode, Pietro Faccio and Sergio Rocco explore the impact of this increase, analyzing production costs and Sony's position as a market leader. Discover how global dynamics, such as tariffs and energy costs, are affecting console prices and what the future might hold for gamers. Perfect for those who want to understand the reasons behind the console price increase and the implications for the future of gaming.

What makes audio in videogames so different from every other medium?
In this episode of Buona La Prima, we talk with Davide Pensato, founder of dpstudios, about how game audio reacts to the player, supports gameplay, builds immersion, and becomes a real part of the experience.

We also get into how audio fits into development teams, how the craft has evolved, and where it may be heading next.

New episode of Buona La Prima is out: Tech Giants’ AI Moves

This time we start from two interesting signals moving in opposite directions.

On one side, Take-Two reportedly let go of its AI team.
On the other, companies like #anthropic keep pushing #AI forward at a scale that is frankly impossible for most game companies to match internally.

So the question is not just “is AI growing?”
That part is obvious.

The real question is: who is actually supposed to build it?

Are game companies meant to create AI internally, or are we heading toward a future where the real race happens upstream, with tech giants building the tools and everyone else learning how to use them properly?

I break this down with Sergio, trying to separate the noise from the actual strategic meaning behind these moves.

A good one for anyone in games, tech, publishing, production, or anyone tired of hearing lazy takes about AI.

Artificial intelligence is no longer a dilemma of the future: it's here, and today's works are asking us how we relate to it. In this episode, we explore how video games and TV series are moving away from portraying AI as a distant threat and starting to question its everyday implications. Because now, more than ever, art speaks to our present, leading us to reflect on what it means to love, be happy, and have control in an increasingly automated world. Through an analysis of masterpieces like Pragmata and Pluribus, Sergio and
reveal how contemporary narratives provide us with tools to address the ethical and philosophical challenges related to artificial intelligence. We discuss the innovative mechanics of Pragmata, which integrates AI into the player's gestures, and how the theme of human-artificial relationships is evolving in surprising ways: from robotics with feelings to questions about what it means to be human in an age of conscious machines.
Because fear is no longer enough: today's works push us to ask fundamental questions about our future, our perception of ourselves, and the risks of losing control. Fiction, even in the form of series and video games, becomes a compass that guides us through a sea of ​​questions, inviting us to reflect on whether we are ready to accept a world in which AI is not just a tool, but a daily presence, perhaps even a life companion.
If you're interested in understanding how fictional stories anticipate our future, or want to discover how video game design can influence our perception of artificial intelligence, this episode is for you. Perfect for those who want to delve deeper into the major themes of digital ethics, emotional relationships with machines, and the role they narrate in shaping our future.
Share your questions and reflections with us: in the age of AI, are we still masters of our own destiny or already part of a system larger than ourselves? It's time to discover how art and technology are coming together to rewrite the way we think, feel, and love.
An unmissable episode for anyone who wants to understand the great changes underway and how to prepare for emerging challenges.
You can use this description to engage your audience and spark interest in your episode. If you need further adjustments, feel free to let me know!

Unlock the hidden power of Unreal Engine with insights straight from industry insiders. Discover how top developers leverage Epic’s tools—not just to create, but to innovate faster, smarter, and more flexibly. If you think Unreal is just for artists or only for advanced coders, think again; this episode will challenge everything you know about game development.

Designed for indie creators and loved by the world's leading studios, the Smartsuit Pro II captures your body's motion and streams the data over WiFi in real-time to your digital characters.

Most gamers and industry insiders are asking: What is Xbox really becoming? In this captivating episode, we explore how Microsoft’s recent leadership shifts and strategic reorganization signal a seismic shift in its gaming ecosystem. No longer just about consoles and blockbuster franchises, Microsoft appears to be reimagining Xbox as a platform that integrates seamlessly into the broader Microsoft universe, prioritizing services, infrastructure, and continuous engagement over traditional blockbuster releases.
You’ll discover how Microsoft’s new leadership team is aiming to transform Xbox from a hardware-centric business into a dynamic, ecosystem-driven hub that caters to gamers and users across multiple devices and platforms. We break down the implications of this shift—how it could reduce reliance on long-standing franchises like Halo and Call of Duty and instead focus on creating “places” where players want to return, like Fortnite and Minecraft. This episode dives deep into the concept of game universes as ongoing locales of community and engagement, a model borrowed from streaming giants like Netflix.
We analyze key topics, including:
The strategic importance of organizational restructuring and leadership changes at Xbox
The shift from a console-focused company to a platform that emphasizes services, AI, and infrastructure
How Xbox’s evolution aligns with broader Microsoft strategies like Copilot and cloud services
The role of immersive “places” versus blockbuster “events,” and how this affects engagement and retention
The future of Game Pass: new models, tiered subscriptions, and premium experiences that go beyond just catalog access
Why does this matter? Because Xbox’s transformation could redefine what success looks like in the gaming world. It’s not just about selling more consoles or making better games—it’s about creating an integrated, emotionally resonant ecosystem that keeps players glued to the platform. This episode is essential listening for gamers, industry watchers, and anyone curious about how tech giants are reshaping entertainment, loyalty, and user experience.
Whether you’re a Microsoft fan, a game developer, or a gamer wondering where the industry is headed, this conversation sheds light on the strategic moves that could change gaming as we know it. Don’t miss out on understanding the future of Xbox—where hardware gives way to ecosystems and where game worlds become the places we build our digital lives.

On today's episode, we uncover the truth behind the biggest myths in game development that might be holding your projects back. Whether you're a solo developer, indie enthusiast, or seasoned studio leader, understanding what really drives success in the gaming industry could be your game-changer.

You'll uncover:

• Why the notion that marketing begins post-development is a dangerous myth
  

• How to accurately assess Steam Wishlists and why paid Wishlist promotion isn't what it seems
  

• The impact of Game Pass—does it cannibalize sales, or can it boost long-term success?
  

• Why high-quality games still need community and visibility to thrive
  

• The truth about crunch—when it's justified, when it’s destructive, and how to manage your team ethically
  

This episode dives into common misconceptions that can sabotage your game's growth, plus actionable frameworks for marketing, player discovery, and sustainable development practices. Ignoring these myths might mean your game gets lost in the crowd; embracing them could be your path to standing out.
Perfect for developers looking to challenge industry norms, avoid burnout, and maximize their game's potential. If you're ready to cut through the noise and approach game success with clear strategies, this episode is your must-listen.
Tune in for honest insights and practical advice that could redefine how you build, launch, and grow your next hit.

Roblox wants to become a platform for more mature, more polished, perhaps even HD games.

But is this really the right direction?

In this episode of Buona La Prima, we talk about Roblox's new push with the Incubator and Jumpstart programs, designed to bring creators and teams capable of building more ambitious experiences to the platform.

The gamble makes sense: part of Roblox's audience is growing, has different tastes, more spending power, and might start looking elsewhere for deeper experiences.

The problem is that Roblox has become huge precisely because it's not Steam, it's not PlayStation, and it's not Xbox. It's lightweight, immediate, accessible, highly social, and mobile-first.

So the real question isn't whether Roblox can make better games.

The real question is whether better games make Roblox stronger, or simply more confusing.

With Sergio Rocco we try to understand whether Roblox is making an inevitable move to grow its audience, or if it is trying to buy a premium credibility that perhaps doesn't really belong to the platform.

Discover how to truly understand your game's audience with insights from industry expert Sebastian Forsström.
Learn why genre labels can mislead and how to use player motivations for better targeting and marketing. Sebastian shares real-world tactics and frameworks for audience mapping, emphasizing the importance of genuine player feedback.

Perfect for indie developers and game marketers looking to refine their strategies and connect with their audience effectively.Don't just guess your audience—know them.

Most game developers overlook a crucial element for success: building authentic relationships with external partners. In this eye-opening episode, industry veteran Doug Pennant (senior producer at Infinity Ward) shares the game-changing approach to fostering trust and collaboration that can transform your projects and career.
Doug reveals how relationships, when nurtured with intentionality and transparency, can be your most powerful tool in navigating the complex, ever-changing landscape of game development.
You'll discover:

• The critical role of open communication and proactivity in partnership success

• How cultural differences impact collaboration and ways to bridge those gaps

• Key signals that indicate a healthy, trustworthy relationship—and how to foster them

• Why defining clear goals and understanding client needs can prevent conflicts and delays

• Practical tips for building long-term alliances that withstand the test of time and change

Gamescom is not just expensive - it may be one of the most misunderstood investments in games business. Gustav and Pietro Faccio unpack when conferences actually create value, when they become a vanity metric, and because the real ROI often has nothing to do with the number of meetings on your calendar.
The conversation gets into the economics most teams ignore: hotel prices that spike to 450 euros a night, the hidden cost of travel, and why a full calendar can quietly turn into a productivity trap. But the bigger question is more interesting - what happens if Gamescom disappeared tomorrow, and would the industry actually be better off?

Sony may be about to trigger one of the biggest shifts in the gaming economy in recent years—and the real story isn't just about the PS6 hardware. It's about what happens when a platform that grew up around physical games, resale, and ownership begins to push ever further toward digital, subscriptions, and tighter control of its ecosystem.

Pietro and Sergio Rocco analyze why the much-discussed Sony Tax could change the price we actually pay for video games, why a digital-first model may seem extremely efficient on paper but become much less convenient for gamers, and why the used market matters much more than many companies are willing to admit.

The discussion then expands beyond Sony, connecting this strategy to a much broader phenomenon that is already transforming sports streaming, fragmenting platforms and services, and, above all, progressively reducing consumer choice.