Podcast - Buona la prima | With Pietro Faccio and Sergio Rocco

If you love video games, news, and frank, unfiltered discussions about the industry, you're in the right place. Here, you won't find sugar-coated reviews or sappy opinions, just direct analysis, honest opinions, and a touch of humor.

50 episodes
28m 37s
Italiano
  1. 01

    Switch 2 - The beginning of a new era?

    The Switch 2 has just been announced, and already people are wondering whether it will be a hit or not.
    From a technical standpoint, it seems like a remarkable evolution, but how much will it cost?Follow Buona la Prima on YouTube.

    13m 43s
  2. 02

    14% of US gamers still play on 2000 consoles?!

    Welcome to the second episode of "Happy First Time"! Today we're diving into a surprising (or maybe just a little crazy) statistic: it seems that 14% of American gamers have never put down their 2000 consoles. But why? Nostalgia? A revolt against day-one patches? Unbridled collecting?

    Let's find out together what this means for the video game industry and why, sometimes, blowing on the good old disc can be incredibly appealing. Get ready for a journey into the past that peeks into the future (with a retro controller in hand)!

    14m 54s
  3. 04

    Finally something new from Supercell!

    Today, in our podcast, we're diving into a sea of trivia about Boat Game, Supercell's latest creation.

    We haven't had a chance to try it out ourselves yet (we're queuing up for the alpha!), but we've scoured the web and discovered a few interesting tidbits: from the navigation system to the pirate-like gunplay, to a possible touch of crafting.

    So, we ask ourselves: will it be a hit like Clash Royale, or will it remain a sunken treasure?

    Let us know what you think! And above all, if you want to support the channel (and allow us to continue this video game pirate chatter), hit that magical 'Like' button, subscribe, and leave us a comment.

    Every click is a lifeline for our little crew of content creators.

    Enjoy the show, and... good luck to everyone!

    17m 13s
  4. 05

    Kojima’s Next Masterpiece or Another Walking Simulator?

    Death Stranding 2 is official!
    Hideo Kojima is back, and with him, a new chapter in his bizarre and divisive saga.
    Will this sequel fix the slow pacing and overloaded storytelling of the first game?
    Or are we looking at another beautifully crafted yet frustratingly tedious experience?
    In this episode, we dive into the 10-minute trailer, what we know so far, and whether Kojima has something revolutionary in store for us—or just more package delivery across dystopian landscapes.

    12m 5s
  5. 06

    Is Xbox really wasting time with a new console in 2026?

    Microsoft plans to launch a new Xbox in 2026, but does it really make sense? With PlayStation dominating the console war and Microsoft seemingly more interested in bringing its games everywhere than selling hardware, does it still make sense to invest in a new generation of consoles?

    In this episode, we discuss:

    Will Xbox become a multi-platform game publisher instead of continuing to fight a losing battle?

    Should they abandon consoles and focus solely on Game Pass and cloud gaming?

    Is this new console a last-ditch effort to stay relevant, or does Microsoft really have a winning plan?

    🕹️ What do you think? Is a new console better than a hardware-free future? Tell us in the comments!

    📢 If you like these topics, leave a LIKE and SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a thing!

    10m 55s
  6. 07

    Fly Pieter è figo… ma l’IA può davvero sostituire gli sviluppatori di videogiochi?

    A single developer, a few AI tools, and in just a few days, Fly Pieter was born, a flight simulator that has already generated insane profits. But are we really witnessing a revolution in video game development or just another viral phenomenon?

    We're talking about it today:

    ✈️ How Fly Pieter is making huge profits with very little development

    🤖 AI can democratize video game development, but can it reach such heights?

    🎮 Why AI helps, but isn't enough to make a great game

    🚀 Is AI changing everything, or are we just risking filling the market with mediocre games? Have your say in the comments!

    🔥 Leave a LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to support our podcast and stay up-to-date on the world of gaming!

    14m 54s
  7. 08

    Ubi Soft Minor Ceased! Will Assassin's Creed Shadows Save Ubisoft? The Truth Behind the Crisis

    Ubisoft is facing one of the most serious crises in its history: commercial flops, game delays, investor revolt, and a possible restructuring that could split the company in two. In this video, we analyze everything that's happening, from investor accusations against the Guillemot family's leadership to secret negotiations with Microsoft, Tencent, and Electronic Arts.

    What does all this mean for the future of Ubisoft and its games? Will Assassin's Creed Shadows really be the title that saves the company? And above all, could this crisis lead to better management? Let's find out together in this episode of Buona la Prima!

    Don't forget to like, subscribe to the channel, and tell us what you think about this situation in the comments!

    17m 45s
  8. 09

    Ubisoft sells off its IPs to Tencent: rebirth or predicted demise?

    In this episode of Buona la Prima, we discuss news that's shaking the gaming world: Tencent has invested €1.2 billion in a new company created by Ubisoft to manage its most iconic franchises like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six.

    But all that glitters is not gold. Rumor has it that Ubisoft is purposely dismantling itself, perhaps to declare bankruptcy, cancel debts, and free itself from obligations to its developers, many of whom have seen bonuses frozen in exchange for now-virtually worthless shares.

    What's really going on?

    👉 Is Ubisoft saving itself or selling off its soul?

    👉 Is Tencent the savior or the shark smelling blood?

    👉 And what does all this mean for fans and the future of the most beloved IPs?

    🎙️ We're talking about it openly, without filters, in our usual style.

    👇 Leave a comment, tell us what you think, and subscribe so you don't miss the next episodes!

    17m 55s
  9. 10

    Nintendo Switch 2: Everything Changes – Price, Chat, 4K, and Backward Compatibility

    The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here, and in this episode of Buona la Prima, we analyze all the technical innovations that promise to revolutionize the gaming experience.

    What you'll discover in this episode:

    7.9" Full HD 120Hz display

    Magnetic Joy-Con controllers with mouse function

    GameChat for video calls and screen sharing

    GameShare for multiple players playing with a single copy

    Official support for GameCube games via Nintendo Switch Online

    10 times the graphics power of the original Switch

    Let's just talk about hardware, services, and strategic vision. Is it really worth the €449 price tag? Has Nintendo finally made the generational leap we've all been waiting for?

    Tell us what you think in the comments, leave a like if you enjoyed the episode, and subscribe so you don't miss future episodes of Buona la Prima.

    23m 13s
  10. 12

    Dear Sony, but what's with those extra 50 EURO for the PS5?

    Yes, you read that right: Sony has increased the price of the PS5 Digital Edition by 50 euros. In 2025. Mid-cycle. And while everyone was waiting for a discount, the blow arrives.

    In this episode of Buona la Prima we analyze:

    Why the increase is an absurd decision on an industrial level

    The drop in the price of the optical drive: consolation or strategy?

    Rumors of a new portable PlayStation: is the PS Vita coming back?

    And above all: why it all smacks of aggressive marketing

    With our usual direct, no-holds-barred style, we explain why this move makes no sense, neither for gamers nor for the market.

    🎧 Listen to the full episode and let us know in the comments:

    Is Sony relaunching or is it losing control?

    14m 37s
  11. 13

    Sandfall and Clair Obscur: The Indie Challenging the Triple-A Giants

    lair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the first title from the French studio Sandfall Interactive, yet it looks like it came out of a AAA studio with 200 people and a blockbuster budget.
    But the truth is quite different: the core team is just 30 people, supported by around 50 external collaborators. With a clear vision, a tight-knit team, and the right ideas, they’ve managed to create a turn-based RPG that blends the elegance of the Belle Époque with inspirations ranging from Final Fantasy to Sekiro.

    In the new episode of "Buona la Prima", we explore:

    • Who Sandfall Interactive is

    • How they technically built the game using Unreal Engine 5

    • The production vision behind such an ambitious project

    • And why Clair Obscur might be the real surprise of 2025

    Let me know if you'd like a more formal or marketing-style version!

    16m 13s
  12. 14

    Remake, Remake, Remake: Has the Gaming Industry Run Out of Ideas?

    In recent years, we’ve seen a true wave of remakes in the gaming world: Resident Evil 4, Dead Space, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, The Last of Us Part I, Metal Gear Solid Δ, Silent Hill 2...

    But what does this trend really say about the industry?
    Are we living through a new golden age… or just a constant cycle of recycling disguised as nostalgia?

    Tell us: which remake really impressed you? And which one made you think, “Come on, that’s enough…”?

    Listen, subscribe, and if you like our style—share the episode!

    14m 24s
  13. 15

    GTA VI: How do you make a trailer like that?

    Vice City is back. Lucia is ready. The world has gone wild. But how much truth is there in the GTA VI trailers?

    In this episode of Buona la Prima, we dive into the GTA VI phenomenon starting with its trailers:

    • Technical details, visual style, and character choices

    • Social satire or premium marketing?

    • What’s actual gameplay and what’s just cinematic flair?

    • And how do you even make a trailer like this?

    Rockstar has shown us a distorted, magnetic Florida—a mix of TikTok, Bonnie & Clyde, and Narcos... But beneath it all, how real is the promise?

    Leave a comment, subscribe, and tell us if you too were glued to the screen with your jaw on the floor.

    21m 53s
  14. 16

    Steam on Xbox?! The bombshell you were waiting for.

    Microsoft might be preparing something huge: according to the latest rumors, Steam could be coming to the next Xbox.

    Yes, we're talking about the world’s most powerful PC game library—running directly on a console.

    But is it really possible? And more importantly: what does it mean for the industry?

    In this episode of Buona la Prima, we break down:

    • The sources and behind-the-scenes whispers

    • The real technical challenges (spoiler: there are many)

    • What this could mean for PlayStation, Game Pass, and Steam Deck

    • Why this move might change everything

    If Steam really lands on Xbox… we’re no longer talking about a console war.
    We’re talking about a revolution.

    Subscribe, leave a comment, and tell us: would you actually use Steam on your Xbox?

    19m 52s
  15. 17

    Mech, 3D & Madness: Andrea Sanna, the King of Hard Surface 3D

    In this episode of Buona la Prima, we sit down with Andrea Sanna, Lead Hard Surface 3D Artist at Wargaming and current team lead on Steel Hunters at DPS Games. With a career that spans Sony, Criterion, Meta, and more, Andrea brings serious firepower to the conversation.

    This is an episode for artists, devs, mech-heads, and anyone who thinks shaders and UV maps are sexy.

    Drop your questions for Andrea in the comments!

    And don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & HIT THE BELL to never miss a drop from Buona la Prima.

    31m 49s
  16. 18

    Grow a Garden: the Roblox game that beat Steam

    Today on Buona la Prima we're talking about a phenomenon that caught everyone by surprise:
    Grow a Garden, the new game on Roblox, hit a peak of 8.9 million concurrent players, even surpassing Steam in numbers.

    A virtual garden worth more than a thousand AAA titles.

    In this episode, we dive into:

    • What makes Grow a Garden so viral

    • Why its success is a lesson for the entire industry

    • What it tells us about the future of gaming and low-stress productions

    We’re sharing stats, insights… and even a few provocations.

    Drop us a comment: would you play a game like this?

    13m 54s
  17. 19

    BIUNIVOCA: Digital Education for Everyone

    In this episode of Buona la Prima, we explore design, video games, and creative vision with Daniele Barone, founder of Biunivoca, a studio that fuses art, interaction, and technology into unconventional digital experiences.

    An episode packed with insights for anyone working in (or aspiring to enter) the world of interactive design and game development.

    Check out Biunivoca: https://www.biunivoca.com/

    20m 35s
  18. 20

    Xbox Is Done Playing Nice, This Is the Real Power Move

    In this episode of Buona la Prima, we break down Xbox’s massive announcement:

    Microsoft is officially working on its next-gen ecosystem, not just a new console, but a full lineup including handhelds, cloud-native devices, and accessories. Oh, and did we mention the multi-year strategic partnership with AMD to co-engineer custom silicon for everything? Yep.

    We dive into:

    • Why Xbox is betting big on cross-device gaming

    • What AMD’s involvement really means

    • Is this the end of the console war as we know it?

    • The vision for a borderless Xbox experience across Windows, cloud, and beyond

    Sarah Bond and Lisa Su have laid out a future that’s bold, ambitious and platform-agnostic.
    We tell you what matters, what could change the industry and why you should (or shouldn’t) be hyped.

    Drop a comment, give us a like and don’t forget to subscribe if you’re into spicy industry news and strong opinions, straight from the heart of game development.

    14m 40s
  19. 21

    Blood Message: the first true Chinese AAA and the power of Unreal Engine 5.6

    n the latest episode of Buona la Prima, we dive into Blood Message, the ambitious single-player title by NetEase that left everyone stunned with its trailer inspired by the Tang Dynasty.
    A blend of action, stealth, and narrative tension that already looks ready to challenge Western gaming giants.

    But it’s not just about style: the engine powering the game is Unreal Engine 5.6, which promises 30% improved performance, more stable ray tracing, and ultra-smooth loading thanks to its new streaming system.
    A technical leap that could truly change the game for AAA developers.

    In this episode, we cover:

    • Why Blood Message is much more than just a pretty demo

    • All the new features of Unreal Engine 5.6 explained simply

    • The future of narrative-driven games made in Asia

    16m 35s
  20. 22

    AI Translations in Video Games: What’s the Line You Shouldn’t Cross?

    Localization and AI in Video Games: Where Does Efficiency End and the Pitfall Begin?

    In this episode of Buona La Prima, we talk with Nicola Zonca, founder of Native Prime, about a hot topic: the use (and abuse) of artificial intelligence in localization and dubbing processes.

    We start with the case of The Alters, where AI-generated text accidentally ended up in the game, and broaden the discussion:

    • Can AI truly help with localization?

    • What gets lost when humans are cut out?

    • Is it just about budget… or respect for the player?

    An unfiltered conversation with one of the most experienced pros in the field. If you work in gaming, localization, audio, or just care about well-made (and well-translated) games, don’t miss this.

    Spoiler alert: soul? AI still doesn’t have it.

    28m 3s
  21. 23

    Gen Z is spending 25% less on video games. Yeah, right!?!?!?!?

    In recent days, there’s been a lot of talk about one statistic: American Gen Z supposedly cut their video game spending by 25%. But if you look closer… that figure only covers January to April, historically the slowest period of the year for gaming.

    In this episode of Buona la Prima, Pietro and Sergio bust the alarmism with a bit of healthy realism:

    • Gen Z is still playing plenty

    • The drop affects all youth consumption, not just video games

    • And the data? It comes from the quietest quarter of the year, with April being notoriously a black hole for game sales

    So, are we really facing a crisis… or just a well-crafted clickbait?

    Drop us a comment if you’ve felt the same way: young people might be spending less, but they’re definitely not putting down the controller.

    15m 39s
  22. 24

    GOTY ’25, Netflix’s Assassin’s Creed (Again), and The Chinese Room Finally Goes Free!

    In this episode of Buona La Prima, we asked ourselves: “Okay, no big bombs... but can we at least find a few grenades?”

    So here we are with 5 gaming news stories that might seem kinda “meh” at first glance — but actually say a lot about where the industry is headed:

    • Who are the real contenders for Game of the Year 2025?

    • Netflix is taking another shot at a live-action Assassin’s Creed series

    • The Chinese Room goes independent again (with some behind-the-scenes tea)

    • Xbox Game Pass adds more day-one releases

    • Nintendo starts fueling the hype for Switch 2 with a packed release calendar

    And watch out for the twist: Metacritic’s mid-year data reveals some unexpected trends (Donkey Kong, anyone? Yep, Donkey Kong).

    Tune in till the end — we’ve sprinkled in a bit of spice too.

    18m 47s
  23. 25

    PlayStation Everywhere: What Does It Mean for the Industry?

    Sony Is Changing Everything.
    After years of fiercely defending exclusives, the Japanese giant has officially confirmed it will bring some of its biggest titles to other platforms.
    But what does that really mean?

    In the new episode of Buona la Prima, we dive into it — especially with Sergio, a veteran with 30 years of game development experience — to unpack:

    Which titles are actually involved?

    Is this just about PC, or are Xbox and Switch also in the mix?

    What are the technical implications (engine compatibility, save files, crossplay)?

    What’s really driving this shift — is it about money, reach, or something else?

    Is this truly the end of the exclusive wars… or just a well-timed tactical move?

    A packed (but also light-hearted) episode where we ask: is this a historic turning point, or just polished marketing?

    🎧 Tune in and let us know your thoughts in the comments!

    18m 27s
  24. 26

    EA: Global Brand, Local Brain?

    EA Sports FC Mobile is soaring… but is the credit due to Vancouver or Shanghai?

    In this episode of Buona La Prima, we discuss the contradiction between managing a global brand and entrusting its development to local teams — with a focus on EA’s strategy to “export” its mobile brain to China.

    A brilliant move or a sign of structural weakness?

    📊 Sources and reports:

    https://sensortower.com

    https://www.ea.com/investor-relations

    https://www.gamesindustry.biz

    17m 15s
  25. 27

    111 million daily users: Has Roblox found the magic formula?

    Roblox has seen staggering numbers: 111.8 million daily active users, up 41% from last year, and engagement exceeding 27 billion hours. But the spark that ignited this boom has a specific name: Grow a Garden, the viral experience that captured millions of players in a very short time.

    In this episode of Buona La Prima, we analyze how a single piece of content can propel an entire platform, discussing with Sergio whether virality is the result of pure luck or can be planned. We'll discuss design, community, timing, and the risks of overly reliant on a trend.

    💬 What do you think? Is it possible to replicate the success of Grow a Garden, or was it just a "magic moment" that won't happen again?

    19m 5s
  26. 28

    Clash Royale’s Big Comeback: How Supercell Rewrote the Rules

    Clash Royale is back — and stronger than ever. 📈

    After years of decline, Supercell’s strategy has completely turned the game around. In this episode of Buona La Prima, we break down the April economy overhaul that doubled revenue, boosted downloads, and pushed Clash Royale into the Top 5 mobile games worldwide by MAU.

    We’ll explore:

    -How removing chest queues and timers reshaped progression.

    -Why Supercell closed the season shop and moved rewards into events.

    -The impact of locking the first 6-elixir Champion behind a $12.99 Diamond Pass.

    -What this means for Supercell’s broader portfolio and identity as a company.

    Is this the start of a new golden age for Clash Royale, or the moment Supercell finally abandoned its “different from the rest” philosophy?

    17m 59s
  27. 29

    Silksong: Triumph, Disaster, and Lesson for the Video Game Industry

    After a seven-year wait, Hollow Knight: Silksong is finally here.

    An almost symbolic price (€19.50), one of the most anticipated games since GTA, and the result? All digital stores—Steam, PlayStation, Nintendo, and even Game Pass—collapsed under the weight of downloads.

    In this episode of Buona la Prima, we analyze what really happened:

    -Why the launch was a technical disaster despite commercial success

    -Criticism of Team Cherry and digital stores

    -The price debate: historic opportunity or danger for indie games?

    -"SNES-like" graphics or evocative art style?

    -Why Silksong will remain a case study for years

    A triumph and a failure at the same time, a video game that raised the bar and exposed the fragility of the digital market.

    16m 56s
  28. 30

    Superfans and Monetization – Paolo Gambardella on Game Design

    In this episode of Buona La Prima, we sit down with Paolo Gambardella, a recognized expert in game design, to discuss what it really means to go from 0 to 1 in creating a successful entertainment service for mobile games.

    Paolo shares his vision on:

    • The ideation and pre-production phases of a mobile game.

    • Why instincts and player motivations are key to building lasting experiences.

    • How to adopt a service-oriented mindset, focusing on superfans rather than casual players.

    • The delicate balance between creativity and monetization metrics.

    This conversation is a must-listen for anyone in the games industry who wants to understand how to design with superfans at the center, while navigating the “it depends” reality of game development.

    🎙️ Hosted by Pietro Faccio and Sergio Rocco.

    30m 58s
  29. 31

    $55B Shockwave – EA’s Future After the Record-Breaking Buyout

    Electronic Arts, one of the biggest names in the gaming industry, has just been acquired in an unprecedented $55 billion deal – the largest buyout gaming has ever seen.

    In this episode of Buona La Prima, Pietro and Sergio unpack:

    -What this record-breaking acquisition means for EA and the industry.

    -How such a massive valuation reshapes the balance of power in gaming.

    -The future of EA’s flagship franchises like FIFA, Battlefield, Apex Legends and The Sims.

    -Whether this move signals the beginning of a new wave of mega-acquisitions in the industry.

    🎙️ Join us as we explore the implications of this historic deal, both for publishers and for players.

    15m 8s
  30. 32

    The End of Apple and Google’s Monopoly? What the New Rules Mean for Mobile Games

    The mobile gaming landscape just changed — and most players have no idea.
    The Digital Markets Act in Europe and several US court rulings are finally opening the gates of the mobile ecosystem: developers can now sell directly to players, bypassing Apple and Google’s 30% store fees.

    In this episode of Buona la Prima, Pietro breaks down:

    • What exactly the new rules allow
    • Why Epic vs Apple was only the beginning
    • How companies like Xsolla are helping devs take back control
    • And what this could mean for game prices, offers, and long-term monetization

    🎙️ With special commentary from Sergio Rocco.

    15m 33s
  31. 33

    Roblox, memes and stolen brains: the new language of video games

    Roblox today is no longer just a game for kids.

    It's a platform with 112 million daily active users, where games like Steal a Brainrot or Grow a Garden reach tens of billions of views.

    But why do these absurd titles, built in a few days, work, and not other more serious ones?

    In this episode, we analyze the data shown at the Big Screen Gaming Summit 2025 and try to answer a simple question:

    👉 Who decides today what a video game really is?

    17m 51s
  32. 34

    VR unleashed. Davide La Sala tells us why VR is the future

    The never-ending debate: is virtual reality the future of video games or just a dream that never takes off?

    In this episode of Buona la Prima, Pietro and Sergio host Davide La Sala, an expert in VR and innovation, to discuss the present and future of virtual reality.

    💬 Pietro remains skeptical: graphics are too polygonal, experiences are still too boring, and an audience that doesn't seem to really get into it.

    🚀 But Davide (and Sergio too!) see it differently: VR is evolving rapidly, headsets are improving, and the next technological leap is just around the corner.

    Who will be right?

    Find out in this chat filled with skepticism, enthusiasm, and some bold predictions about the metaverse that (perhaps) will never arrive.

    🎙️ Buona la Prima – the podcast that talks about video games, but not like the others.

    35m 19s
  33. 35

    The EU, the Digital Fairness Act and how to get out of it

    In this episode of Buona La Prima, we tackle a hot topic for the future of European gaming: the European Union's Digital Fairness Act.

    In the studio with Gabriele Aimone, we analyze the open letter from Supercell CEO Ilkka Paananen, accusing Brussels of risking killing the golden goose of European gaming.

    We talk about dark patterns, free-to-play, virtual currencies, and how regulation can impact the gaming experience, business models, and innovation.

    Is it right to limit certain designs, or are we just making it impossible to create games in Europe?

    👉 Listen, comment, and let us know where you stand.

    29m 16s
  34. 36

    45,000 jobs lost. What is really killing the gaming industry?

    Over the last three years, the video game industry has seen over 45,000 layoffs, a number that feels surreal for a sector that was once called “recession-proof.”

    In this episode of Buona La Prima, we dig into what’s really happening:

    Are big publishers cutting too deep?

    Why are so many studios closing despite record game sales?

    Is this a correction, or the start of a new era for developers?

    We’ll talk about the economic, cultural, and leadership mistakes that led to this mess, and what could actually fix it.

    🎧 Hosted by Pietro Faccio and Sergio Rocco

    📊 Data from 2022–2025 reports and verified public sources

    💬 Join the conversation in the comments: how do you see the future of work in games?

    #GameIndustry #Layoffs #GamingBusiness #BuonaLaPrima #GameDev

    21m 29s
  35. 37

    PlayStation Cross-Buy Leak Changes Everything

    PlayStation is breaking its own rules.

    Recent leaks show tags like “PS5/PC” and “Cross-Buy” hidden in the PlayStation Store code — hinting that Sony might finally let players buy a game once and play it on both PS5 and PC.

    Is this the start of a new strategy? Or a sign that the old console model is running out of steam?

    In this episode, Pietro and Sergio dive into what this could mean for Sony, developers, and the future of the PlayStation ecosystem.

    🎧 Topics we cover:

    – Why Sony might be opening up to PC now

    – What “Cross-Buy” really means for business and players

    – The technical and financial challenges behind it

    – How this move compares to Xbox’s strategy

    👉 Subscribe for more honest, no-BS discussions about the gaming industry, every week on Buona La Prima.

    14m 40s
  36. 38

    The Great Debate: Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

    🎤 Ever felt overwhelmed by the self-publishing landscape?
    🤔 You're not alone! In our latest episode, we discuss the common fears and pressures that creators face.
    Learn why finding the right audience can feel like a daunting task.


    #Podcast #IndieDev #SelfPublishing #CreativeJourney #GameDesign #Visibility #AudienceBuilding #GamingIndustry #CommunitySupport

    29m 24s
  37. 39

    Unity and Epic Games: a new era

    Explore the groundbreaking collaboration between Unity and Epic Games, as they join forces to improve interoperability and redefine the gaming landscape.
    Discover how this partnership opens up new opportunities for developers and reshapes market dynamics.

    14m 52s
  38. 40

    Horses Banned by Steam, but why?

    In this episode of Buona La Prima, we discuss the Horses case, the psychological horror game from Italian studio Santa Ragione banned from Steam without a single explanation.
    A decision that risks ruining the game's entire launch and perhaps the studio's survival.

    The question is simple and uncomfortable: how healthy is a PC market where a single player can decide the fate of a project, without any transparency?
    Especially when other platforms—Epic, GOG, Itch, and Humble—approved the title without issue, and when the game was duly rated PEGI and ESRB.

    In this episode, we analyze:

    • the story behind the Steam ban,

    • the impact of “de facto monopolies” on the indie market,

    • what happens when creativity hits invisible walls,

    • and what this story says about the future of digital platforms.


    An episode that makes you angry, think, and discuss.
    If you're interested in understanding how the PC gaming ecosystem really works... this is for you.

    14m 42s
  39. 41

    Who wins? Netflix or Paramount? The American right or left?

    Episode 41 of Buona La Prima is out, and this time we went straight into the fire.
    Not the PR version. Not the “synergies and opportunities” brochure.
    The real story.

    We break down three uncomfortable angles everyone is tiptoeing around:

    Netflix's subscription model vs the brutal economics of AAA

    You can't run blockbuster game development like a content treadmill. Someone will get hurt.

    The truth about gaming subscriptions

    It's a $11B slice in a $190B market. Growing, yes — but is there really room for another big player?

    The impact on people

    With the industry already facing 16,000+ layoffs, adding a mega-deal promising billions in “synergies” won't calm the waters.

    It's a huge move with massive implications: for studios, workers, IP, and the future direction of gaming as a whole.

    17m 1s
  40. 42

    How is this video? Have you listened to it?

    Netflix Is Acquiring Warner Bros. Games

    Is It a Mistake?

    In this episode of Buona La Prima, we take a step back and see what this deal actually is:
    a massive media acquisition driven by regulation, consolidation, and the economics of streaming, not a grand vision for gaming.

    We explore why gaming, as uncomfortable as it may seem, is largely marginal to this equation.

    It's not about hype.
    It's about understanding who really benefits, who bears the risk, and why the long-term consequences, especially for games and the people who make them, could be very different from those of the titles.

    20m 50s
  41. 43

    BLP wishes you happy holidays!


    Chicos, fue un año especial: vimos 42 episodios de Buona La Prima y 11 mil suscriptores. ¡Los queremos!

    9m 33s
  42. 44

    Games that leave a TRACE - With Marco Mazzaglia

    In episode 44 of Buona La Prima, we host Marco Mazzaglia to talk about something simple to say but difficult to do: designing games (and mechanics) that truly change the way we think, learn, and behave.

    We begin with his experience in the game industry (since 2008, on about 30 titles) and move on to his teaching work on Game Design and Game Thinking, before delving into the crucial topic: how Game Thinking can be used in companies and SMEs for training and marketing—without falling into the trap of gamification with points and badges.

    In between: concrete examples, typical mistakes, what really works and what's just smoke and mirrors. An episode for those who make video games, but also for those who want to understand why certain experiences stick with you and others don't.

    38m 58s
  43. 45

    QA is not what you think!

    With Marco Joele Nicolini we went through the ins and outs of why QA is not considered as high as it should.
    We've also discussed when and how to use external partners.

    24m 28s
  44. 46

    The Ubisoft dilemma explained

    Ubisoft just smashed the big red RESET button — and it wasn't the fun kind.

    In Ep. 46 of Buona La Prima (this week in English), we dig into why the latest Ubisoft moves feel less like a turnaround and more like portfolio triage:
    • 6 games cancelled, including Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake
    • 7 projects delayed
    • 2 studios closed
    • Layoffs starting Feb 12, 2026
    • Expected ~€1B net loss for FY2026
    • Market reaction: -34% stock drop, hitting a 13-year low

    And this lands just two months after Tencent's €1.16B investment for a ~25–26% minority stake in “Vantage Studios”, focused on the crown jewels: Assassin's Creed / Far Cry / Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six.

    Ubisoft says: “quality, focus, less risk.”
    My take: this is survival-mode finance wearing a creative hat.

    Question: does doubling down on legacy IP actually save a AAA publisher… or does it quietly kill their ability to take risks (and stay interesting)?

    27m 29s
  45. 47

    Genie 3...maybe in 10 years!

    Google just released Genie 3: a playable world model that lets you start with an image, create an environment and a character… and then jump in and play in real time. It sounds like science fiction, but it's already here (with very real limitations: restricted access and 60-second sessions).

    In this episode we talk about:
    • What is Genie 3 and why is it different from “a cool AI video”
    • What actually works and what is still “beta with elbows” today
    • Why the “AI = end of video games” narrative is a non-gamer's read
    • And above all: how is it possible that a clip (and even a few fake ones) contributed to the stock market panic in gaming-related stocks

    🎧 Enjoy the show and as always: open comments, even if you're just here to argue politely.

    #BuonaLaPrima #Genie3 #GoogleAI #Gemini #AI #Videogames #GamingIndustry #GameDev #Tech #WorldModels #Robotics

    20m 31s
  46. 48

    Long live remote work!

    Most companies are rushing to reverse to full in-office work, but what if the key to happier, more productive teams lies in resisting that urge?
    Pietro and Sergio dive into the hot debate around remote work at Ubisoft Milan, revealing how reversing flexible policies can backfire and what truly drives employee satisfaction and efficiency. After a recent strike and internal turmoil, the industry is waking up to a stark reality: forcing everyone back to the office may do more harm than good.

    You'll discover:

    -The real motivations behind Ubisoft Milan's strike and what it signals for the industry at large
    -Why the visibility of remote work disputes often masks deeper issues in company culture
    -How rigid in-office mandates threaten talent retention in competitive markets
    -Practical insights on balancing remote and in-person work for optimized productivity
    -The critical distinctions between “smart working,” “remote work,” and their legal implications

    In an era where the future of work is still being written, understanding these dynamics is vital for leaders and employees alike. Ignore this debate at your peril—missing the shift could mean losing your best talent or falling behind industry standards.

    12m 18s
  47. 49

    History of printed paper in the video games industry is not repeated...unfortunately!

    Join us and Stefano Silvestri, veteran journalist and founder of TechTalking.it, as he explores the evolution of gaming journalism from its print roots to today's digital landscape.
    Discover how the passion and authenticity of past print media can inspire a revival in today's tech storytelling. Stefano shares captivating stories from the golden age of gaming magazines, revealing how genuine engagement and creativity once fueled industry success.
    Learn why these elements are crucial for restoring authenticity in modern media. Perfect for media professionals and enthusiasts eager to reconnect with the true spirit of gaming and technology.

    32m 23s
  48. 50

    Italy is alive and kicking!

    Discover the untold story of Italy's gaming industry with Ivan Venturi, a pioneer in Italian software houses. From the 80s' home computers to the rise of indie studios, Ivan reveals the technological breakthroughs and cultural shifts that shaped Italy's gaming landscape.
    Learn how limited resources fueled innovation, leading to global recognition today.
    Key highlights include:

    • Transition from floppy disks to digital distribution

    • Italy's unique culture of innovation

    • Rise of indie studios and government support

    • Success stories like Stormind Games and Ravenous Devils

    Perfect for game developers, industry veterans, and anyone curious about the intersection of technology and culture in gaming. Tune in to see how Italy's gaming story is one of resilience and bold innovation.

    34m 19s