Rise of Ruins: First Management Video Game Set in Real Italian Archaeological Park

The Archaeological Park of Sepino in Molise, Italy, has launched 'Rise of Ruins', the first management video game set in a real archaeological site in Italy. Developed by the international collective TuoMuseo, the game allows players to step into the role of the park director, managing excavation campaigns, restoring artifacts, designing exhibitions, balancing budgets, and handling unexpected events. The game digitally reconstructs the ancient Roman town of Altilia-Saepinum with scientific accuracy, turning the complexity of daily heritage management into interactive gameplay. 'Rise of Ruins' is free and available on Google Play and the App Store. It aims to make archaeological and museographic processes accessible through intuitive actions, using a language natural for younger generations. The project redefines museum accessibility beyond physical barriers, fostering emotional engagement and a sense of responsibility toward cultural heritage. The game does not replace real visits but prepares, accompanies, and extends them, transforming smartphones into gateways to heritage. The initiative demonstrates that innovation and conservation are not contradictory, and that gaming, guided by scientific rigor and cultural responsibility, can build more open and inclusive museums.