The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Italian MFA) announces the launch of ITALY. Land of Wonders, a video game that is aimed at bringing the cultural heritage and wonders of Italy to a worldwide audience in general, and to young people in particular. Graphically appealing and targeted to both children and adults, ITALY. Land of Wonders portrays the beauty and tradition of this country through an interactive and fun experience. Available for free in 11 languages, it will be released worldwide on 19 July for iOS and Android, smartphone and tablet, via italiana.esteri.it, Italian MFA’s new portal dedicated to Italian culture in the world.
Elio is the old lighthouse keeper who, every morning, with the help of the 20 sparks he retrieved the night before from the 20 regions of Italy, lights up the sun that will shine bright over the country. The game starts at sunset, Elio – a reference to Helios, the sun god of ancient Greek mythology – is looking for an assistant who can help him complete his arduous task. He has summoned a mysterious character outside the lighthouse: the player, who is drawn into a night adventure around Italy to retrieve 20 sparks, light up the lighthouse and ensure the sun shines again.
During their journey, the players will meet five Guardians, who will guide them to discover Nature, Cuisine, Art, Performance and Design, the five main sectors of the Italian cultural heritage. At the end of the journey, a huge surprise awaits the players: they will take Elio’s place, symbolically becoming the new Lighthouse Keepers, with a mission to protect the country’s treasures. First, however, they will need to pass no less than 100 puzzle game levels, each one featuring a 3D reconstruction of an iconic Italian landmark, in a truly engaging journey to discover, step by step, the coast and mountains, cities and castles, traditions and myths of the country. Created for those already acquainted with Italy, as well as those who are not and want to learn more – while improving their grasp of the language –, ITALY. Land of Wonders can also serve as a travel guide, thanks to a collection of 600 articles filled with stories, news and fun facts.
Last but not least, the music! Original scores inspired by the great Italian classics, from opera to baroque to famous movie soundtracks, set the mood to a game that is also an engaging and informative learning tool for schools that teach Italian as a foreign language.
“Today, the mobile gaming market is one of the main channels for the diffusion of every type of content, including cultural and informative topics,” commented Ambassador Lorenzo Angeloni, Director General for Cultural and Economic Promotion and Innovation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. “It’s our job to leverage any opportunity we see to promote our country and its culture to the world. This is why we have embraced the mobile platform and are communicating in a way which is innovative not only for our Ministry, but also for Italy’s public administration in general. We are engaging with a younger audience with ITALY. Land of Wonders and it is our objective to engage people from all over the world and to get them interested in our country and its beauties, creating a sense of familiarity that can guide them, one day, to the actual discovery of our territories and our products.
ITALY. Land of Wonders isn’t just an enjoyable mobile game – it’s a real Made in Italy product, skillfully mixing culture and technology. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of our country: it’s an adventure accessible to everyone to help discover the beauty, the creativity and the taste of Italy.