December 5th 2024.
When visiting the beautiful city of Rome, there are plenty of things to do and see. From historic landmarks to delicious cuisine, the options are endless. But for those who are fans of video games, there's now a new must-visit destination: the GAMM, or Games and Multimedia Museum. This exciting new museum showcases both new and old video game titles and has been garnering attention as one of the best video game museums in the world.
It's no surprise that video games have become an important part of our culture over the past fifty years. With such a rich history, it was only natural that they would start to have their own dedicated museums. However, what's surprising is that one of the newest and most impressive video game museums is located in the heart of Rome, on the bustling Piazza della Repubblica. Known as GAMM, this museum offers a vast array of hands-on experiences and is set in an impressive venue.
The UK also has its fair share of video game museums, such as Sheffield's National Videogame Museum and the Power Up exhibit at the Science Museum. However, GAMM stands out as even more impressive than either of these, which is quite unexpected considering that Italy is not typically known for its video game development. As one of the first people to visit GAMM before its public opening, I was blown away by the rare video game artifacts and the in-depth story it tells about the origins and evolution of the gaming industry.
According to GAMM Director Marco Accordi Rickards, this museum has its own history as well. It was originally opened in 2012 under the name VIGAMUS, but after twelve years, the decision was made to rebrand and improve it. GAMM is the evolution of VIGAMUS, and with the additional resources, the team was able to create something truly special. Accordi Rickards explains, "My original idea was closer to this one, but it was impossible to do with our limited resources at the time."
The museum is split into three zones, with the majority of the space dedicated to the GAMMDome. This section combines physical and digital elements to tell key stories about the gaming industry. Instead of traditional print panels, the team opted for a dual-screen approach. On the lower screen, you can read the panels, while the upper screens alternate between interviews with industry professionals and footage of the games being discussed. This method allows for a lot more information to be presented in a small space and is much more engaging for visitors.
Accordi Rickards explains that this system also allows for the museum to continuously evolve and change. "If we wanted to focus on different games, our entire team could work on new content and rotate it with the old. This way, visitors who have already been to the museum can come back and not only play different games but also learn new things and hear different interviews."
The other two areas of GAMM are PARC (Path of Arcadia) and HIP (Historical Playground). PARC features a variety of coin-operated arcade machines that visitors can play for free, including classic titles like Space Invaders and Donkey Kong, as well as newer games like Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Unlimited. HIP, located in the basement, showcases older consoles, handheld devices, and classic games. Accordi Rickards describes the purpose of this section, saying, "It's important because it focuses on the original element of games – the gameplay – which is what sets them apart from other forms of media. Playing the games is the best way to truly understand them and experience the different methods used by game designers to attract players of all ages."
The GAMM is truly a one-of-a-kind museum that offers an immersive and informative experience for video game enthusiasts. Whether you're a fan of old-school arcade games or the latest console releases, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this impressive museum in the heart of Rome. So, when in Rome, don't forget to add GAMM to your list of must-see attractions.
When one finds themselves in Rome, the famous saying goes, they should do as the Romans do. And while that usually refers to indulging in the city's rich culture and history, there's a new attraction that might just steal the hearts of visitors – a video game museum.
Located in the busy Piazza della Repubblica, the GAMM (Games Art Music Movement) museum boasts a vast collection of both old and new video games. With over half a century of gaming history to showcase, it's no surprise that video games have finally made their way into the museum scene. What is surprising, however, is that GAMM is considered to be the best video game museum in the world, despite Italy not being known for its contributions to the gaming industry.
As a self-proclaimed video game enthusiast, I was lucky enough to be one of the first to visit GAMM before its grand opening. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The museum is a treasure trove of rare video game artifacts, offering a deeper and more nuanced look into the evolution of the industry than any other museum I've been to. The vast array of hands-on experiences and the impressive venue only added to the overall experience.
According to GAMM's director, Marco Accordi Rickards, this is not the first video game museum in Rome. Back in 2012, a museum called VIGAMUS was opened, but after 12 years, the decision was made to rebrand and improve it. GAMM is the result of that evolution, with a much larger and impressive collection than its predecessor.
The museum is divided into three zones, with the main attraction being the GAMMDome. Here, visitors can delve into key stories of the gaming industry through a unique dual-screen display. The lower screen features traditional print panels, while the upper screens showcase interviews with industry professionals and video footage of popular games. This clever approach not only saves space but also creates a more engaging experience for visitors.
GAMM's other two areas, PARC (Path of Arcadia) and HIP (Historical Playground), offer even more opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the world of gaming. PARC is home to a variety of coin-op arcade machines, while HIP features displays of older consoles, handheld devices, and classic games. Accordi Rickards explains that HIP is dedicated to the essence of gaming – the gameplay itself. Visitors can try their hand at different games and experience the various methods game designers use to captivate players of all ages.
PARC, on the other hand, is a haven for arcade game enthusiasts. From the earliest classics like Space Invaders and Donkey Kong to newer titles like Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Unlimited, there's something for everyone to enjoy. And the best part? All games can be played for free.
GAMM is not your typical museum. It's a celebration of the art, music, and movement that make up the world of gaming. And with its constantly evolving displays and collections, it's a must-visit for anyone with a love for video games. So, when in Rome, make sure to add GAMM to your list of must-see attractions. After all, when it comes to video games, there's no better place in the world.
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