Expert Day #2 with Micaela Romanini: “Women play a crucial role in shaping the future of gaming”
The future of gaming, emphasizing the role of diversity in shaping the industry, insights on the intersection of gaming and education, expressing optimism about the transformative potential of gamification, complexities of Web3 gaming, addressing the need for transparency and responsible development — and much more can be found in the interview. Join us on this insightful journey through the gaming universe!
Alex: Greetings, everyone. My name is Alex, representing Banksters here with you today. I have the pleasure of hosting Micaela Romanini for our second Expert Days interview. Micaela is the founder of Women in Games Italia and an external evaluator for EIT Culture and Creativity, a new innovation community supported by the European Institute of Innovation Technology. She’s also an external evaluator for the European Commission. Welcome, Micaela. Thank you for joining us.
Micaela: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to be part of this discussion.
Alex: To kick things off, could you tell us a bit about your background and the work you’re currently involved in?
Micaela: Certainly. I’ve been working in the gaming industry for 13 years, with experience in social media, digital marketing, management, community management, and business development. I’m the founder of Women in Games Italia, a community dedicated to empowering women and promoting inclusion in the video game sector in Italy. Currently, I work as a consultant in communication marketing and partnership development. I’m also passionate about sustainability and have been studying programs related to the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 for the past 3–4 years. I’m working on personal projects that aim to bridge video games and sustainability.
Alex: Impressive background, Micaela. Now, given your extensive experience, how do you envision the future of gaming, especially considering the emerging trends in web2 and web3 gaming, as well as trading?
Micaela: The future of gaming is fascinating, especially with the developments in web2 and web3. I believe the industry will continue to evolve, offering unique opportunities. Web3 and the metaverse are particularly interesting, presenting new platforms for gamers to connect, play, and engage. However, it’s crucial to ensure that representation and inclusivity are prioritized in these spaces.
Alex: Absolutely. Speaking of inclusivity, you are actively involved in Women in Games Italia. Could you share more about the goals of this organization and how it aims to empower women in the gaming industry?
Micaela: Women in Games Italia is a professional network for women working in video games, esports, and the metaverse. Our goal is to engage professionals in various roles, including communication, marketing, game design, programming, and more. We want to challenge stereotypes and highlight that women contribute to every aspect of the gaming industry. Our focus is on empowering all professionals and encouraging young students, both women and men, to pursue careers in the diverse fields available within the gaming sector.
Alex: That’s commendable work. In the broader context of the gaming industry, you mentioned the need for diversity and representation. How do you see the role of women in shaping the future of gaming, especially in Italy?
Micaela: Women play a crucial role in shaping the future of gaming. It’s essential to break stereotypes and emphasize that women can excel in technical roles as well as in communication and marketing. In Italy, where the gaming industry is growing, we aim to empower women and encourage them to pursue careers in various fields within the sector. By fostering diversity and inclusion, we contribute to creating a more vibrant and innovative gaming industry.
Alex: Your commitment to diversity is evident. Shifting gears a bit, let’s talk about the intersection of gaming and education. How do you see the benefits of incorporating gaming and gamification into educational programs, especially considering the digital era we live in?
Micaela: Gaming and gamification in education have already demonstrated numerous benefits. Programs like Minecraft are used to teach kids programming, math, and spatial distribution. Educational projects exploring history and other subjects through games are gaining popularity. As technology advances, virtual reality and the metaverse offer exciting possibilities for education. These tools engage students and provide a more dynamic and interactive learning experience, preparing them for the digital future.
Alex: That’s an optimistic outlook. Now, let’s touch on the topic of Web3 gaming. We’ve witnessed a surge in Web3 games, but there are concerns about their quality and potential scams. How do you differentiate between Web3 as a technology and Web3 games as a development trend? And what precautions do you think are necessary for the success of Web3 gaming?
Micaela: Distinguishing between Web3 as a technology and Web3 games as a development trend is crucial. While Web3 technology holds great promise, not all Web3 games may meet the desired quality standards. There’s a responsibility on developers to be transparent and cautious, especially considering the potential for scams. As regulations come into play, adherence to guidelines and transparency will become essential. It’s encouraging to see big corporations investing in addressing these concerns, signaling a move toward more responsible development practices.
Alex: That’s a nuanced perspective. Finally, before we conclude, could you share your all-time favorite game and any closing thoughts you’d like to leave our audience with?
Micaela: My all-time favorite game is “Omicron: The Nomad Soul” by David Cage. It’s an old game from 1999 but stands out for its innovation and influence by cyberpunk themes and Blade Runner. As for closing thoughts, I encourage everyone to remain curious and open-minded about the evolving landscape of gaming, and I’m eager to explore the progress and innovations in your game.
Alex: Thank you, Micaela, for your insights and valuable contributions to the discussion. We look forward to staying connected and witnessing the positive impact of your work in the gaming industry. Have a great day!
Micaela: Thank you, Alexandru!
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