Sardinia uses video games to promote cultural tourism

Sardinia launches Pac Pac, a project using video games and interactive fiction to boost tourism in lesser-known areas. Promoted by Sardegna Ricerche and developed by the University of Cagliari's Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, the initiative aims to equip businesses with tools to create adventure games set in real Sardinian locations. Scientific lead Ivan Blecic notes the Geominerary Park as a prime setting, emphasizing real environments over 3D reconstructions. Two prototype games will target areas outside traditional tourist circuits, followed by a web platform and mobile app for access. Fabio Viola, didactic coordinator of the Master in Engagement & Gamification at IED Milan, calls this a modern approach akin to 'Father and Son' at Naples' National Archaeological Museum, but warns against focusing on products over processes. The project aligns with Sardinia's broader digitalization efforts, including the MuD – Digital Museum platform in collaboration with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Ales.