MANN Napoli launches world's first archaeological museum videogame

The National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN) has announced Father and Son, the world's first videogame produced by an archaeological museum. The project was conceived by Prof. Ludovico Solima of the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, tasked with developing new audience engagement strategies. Museum director Paolo Giulierini praised the initiative as a significant step toward connecting with both physical and virtual audiences. The 2D side-scrolling narrative game will be free and ad-free, launching on Apple Store and Google Play in March 2017. Players assume the role of a son receiving a letter from his archaeologist father, traveling through historical eras including Egypt, Ancient Rome, the Bourbon period, and the present day. The game was produced by Fabio Viola and hand-drawn by English artist Sean Wenham. Naples serves as the backdrop, alongside the museum's collection. Viola describes it as an innovative 'storydoing' experience that engages players in the relationship between past and present.