{"id":53792,"date":"2025-10-08T14:58:53","date_gmt":"2025-10-08T12:58:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sciencefictionfestival.org\/?page_id=53792"},"modified":"2025-10-13T11:05:09","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T09:05:09","slug":"press-start-to-play-2025","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sciencefictionfestival.org\/en\/fantastic-film-forum-2025_b\/press-start-to-play-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Press Start to Play 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"
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October 30th, 2025
\nCasa del Cinema di Trieste<\/strong><\/p>\n

Press Start To Play<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A special session focusing on video games, featuring panels and lectures on the video game industry in Italy and in the surrounding countries, and a masterclass on the use of AI-powered tools in the production of video games.
\nIn association with IVIPRO \u2013 Italian Videogame Program <\/a><\/p>\n

All events will take place in English
\nInfo: forum@sciencefictionfestival.org<\/p>\n

All the events in the afternoon session are free entry; registration on Eventbrite<\/a> required.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n

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10.00 \/\/ Masterclass<\/p>\n

AI-powered tools for audiovisual content production\/3<\/em>
\nHow to speed up game development with AI tools<\/h3>\n

A strategic overview with case studies, concrete examples, and forward-looking insight over the usage of AI tools in the different stages of video games development: pre-production, art & assets, animation, programming, procedural generation, audio & voices, testing, legal issues, perspectives in the near- and long-term.<\/p>\n

Speaker: Fabio Cristi<\/strong>, Game Producer
\nHas been earning his living by working with video games since 1996, first as a journalist and translator, then as a producer for companies such as Milestone, Digital Bros., Midnite, AnotheReality, Mac ‘n’ Cheese and many more. He has been teacher in Game Production at NABA in Milan and Event Horizon School.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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14.30 \/\/ Panel<\/p>\n

Beyond Italy\u2019s Borders: The Video Game Industry in Austria and Slovakia<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The panel brings together the experiences and know-how of video game industry professionals from Austria and Slovakia. Speakers will share national perspectives, highlight ongoing activities such as events, festivals and funding initiatives, and present case studies connected to their respective territories. This session offers a chance to discover new avenues for collaboration with Italy, fostering potential cross-national synergies and long-term partnerships within the European gaming landscape.<\/p>\n

Speakers: Maro\u0161 Brojo<\/strong>, Slovak Game Developers Association; Johanna Pirker<\/strong>, Game Dev Graz \u2013 TU Munich & TU Graz)<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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15.30 \/\/ Lecture<\/p>\n

Connected by Games: Five Years of IGDA Italy<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Ever since 2020, IGDA Italy has evolved into a vibrant hub for game creators, connecting developers, students, and industry professionals through game jams, meetups, and major events. Committed to inclusion, mentorship, and professional growth, it connects developers all around Italy. This talk explores its mission, milestones, and the work of passionate volunteers shaping the Italian game development community\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

Speaker: Davide Cavuoto<\/strong>, IGDA Italy<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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16.15 \/\/ Lecture<\/p>\n

Project Management for Territory-Based Games<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Discover how project management practices from game development can empower real-world territorial initiatives. This talk explores the intersection of creativity, culture, and coordination\u2014showing how structured workflows, agile methods, and multidisciplinary teamwork turn video games into impactful tools for education, tourism, and local storytelling.<\/p>\n

Speaker: Fabio Cristi <\/strong>\u2013 Game Producer<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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17.00 \/\/ Lecture<\/p>\n

Pixelization of Dev Teams: Industry Disruption and the Indie Surge<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Recent crises and advances in AI have disrupted the gaming industry, exposing both fragility and opportunity. These shifts opened space for agile indie teams, taking different roles and new team setup. Finally, the importance of local communities in Serbia, such as Serbian Games Association, emerges as a key driver of knowledge sharing and resilience.<\/p>\n

Speaker: Aleksandar Dokic<\/strong>, Retromagine<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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17.45 \/\/ Panel<\/p>\n

Game Development in Croatia: Opportunities and Incubators for Emerging Studios<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This panel will explore Croatia\u2019s evolving ecosystem, from funding schemes and mentorship opportunities to collaborative spaces that nurture innovation. Participants will discover how emerging Croatian studios are positioning themselves on the international stage and how these initiatives create fertile ground for networking across borders.<\/p>\n

Speakers: Hrvoje Mitic<\/strong>, Croatian Game Developers Alliance; Tomislav Plesec<\/strong>, SIMORA<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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19.00<\/p>\n

Networking Time \u2013 Closing cocktail<\/h3>\n

(entry by invitation)<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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REGISTRATION FORM<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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