/ During a press conference at Palazzo Montecitorio, ROME, the significant importance of the upcoming FEEXPO trade show in Bergamo and the themes of its main conference were presented /

Over 60,000 workers, including direct employees and related sectors; more than 6,200 companies (predominantly family-run SMEs with over 30 years of experience); 800 million euros in direct annual turnover; over 90,000 devices across the territory: these are the figures representing the amusement-only gaming sector in Italy. A healthy industrial sector with great potential that just needs to be seized and valued.

The qualities of this industry will be showcased in a few weeks at the third edition of the FEEXPO trade show – organized by FEE Consortium (made up of a group of leading Italian companies in the production and installation of amusement-only games) in collaboration with Promoberg – to be held at the Bergamo Exhibition Center from February 25 to 27.

The trade show and the leading conference “Social, economic, and industrial role of entertainment gaming in Italy” (scheduled on the first day of the event) were presented on January 22 in Rome, at the press room of Palazzo Montecitorio, during a conference attended by representatives of major institutions and stakeholders, as well as executives from leading industry associations (Federamusement-Confesercenti, FEE Consortium, ACMI/SGI Confindustria, New ASGI Italia, ANBI, ASTRO, and ANESV).

The meeting was an opportunity to highlight the strategic role of the amusement-only gaming industry and amusement arcades, not only economically but also socially. It must not be forgotten that amusement halls are gathering places for families and safe spaces for socialization that can also counteract the phenomenon of social isolation among the very young that has grown with the pandemic and the resulting lockdown.

“Our work is completely safe and represents the first bulwark against exposing young people to dangerous realities,” said Alessandro Lama, president of Federamusement Confesercenti. “The opportunity for social gathering and amusement is not only found in large parks but also in halls, big and small, in tourist and non-tourist areas of the nation and can provide entertainment for all social classes. Here, the most important thing is that one can have fun with just a few euros. That is, to provide the maximum fun with safety and guarantee that these are regulated and certified products for all ages.”

The focus of amusement halls, with their amusement-only games/attractions, is on families, and this should be clear to the public, institutions, and politicians, to clear the field of prejudices that have so far harmed operators in the sector. This was emphasized in his speech by Tiziano Tredese, president of the FEE Consortium: “Our goal, also through FEEXPO, is to make it understood that the games we propose are aimed at families. In other countries, our sector is treated differently, being included in the macro-area dedicated to the family.”

Along the same lines, Gennaro Parlati, president of Sistema Gioco Italia, said: “The trade show wants to create awareness because for too long we have underestimated the potential of this sector in its entirety. Today we talk not only about money or the economy, but we place the family at the center, which is the most important value and an integral part of our daily living. Being protagonists in the recovery of socialization is something we should be proud of. If we really want to do good for the young, we must start with the data and research put together by the CNR and the University of Roma Tre, dialogue with consumers and understand them better and better.”

Elisa Benedetti, a CNR researcher who spoke at the conference, recalled, in this regard, some data from a study related to the problem of social isolation in teenagers. About 2% of young people have experienced complete isolation, from family and peers, for periods of more than 2 months, while an additional 10% tend to isolate themselves for shorter intervals, often in their own rooms, and often taking refuge on the Internet, with the consequent development of other problems, such as gaming disorder or video game addiction (a disorder that affects 16% of students).

From the University of Roma Tre, over 2 years, a research project called “Family Amusement” was conducted in various phases, funded by FEE Consortium, SAPAR, and New ASGI Italia. “In the context of our research, a qualitative investigation was also conducted on teenagers and chaperones present in amusement arcades to analyze their motivations and gaming behaviors inside these venues,” said Professor Roberta Guglielmetti from the Department of Business Economics at Uniroma 3. “It emerged that gaming is predominantly perceived as entertainment and an opportunity to socialize. We also investigated possible correlations between ticket redemption games and the development of risky behaviors related to gaming. The results – the professor continued – showed a very weak relationship, and above all the existence of numerous solutions to mitigate any negative effects.”

During the press conference, it was also announced a collaboration between the FEE Consortium and the MOIGE (Italian Parents’ Movement), aimed at addressing issues such as isolation, social discomfort, and bullying, with a particular focus on children. “Our association supports parents in the difficult educational task, and we are convinced that healthy play is essential for the development of young people,” said Elisabetta Scala, vice president of MOIGE. “Entertainment is fundamental when it can be experienced in the family, with other families, and among peers, always in healthy and safe places.”

A first initiative resulting from the new collaboration will be the presence at FEEXPO of a mobile center of MOIGE to raise awareness on the themes of bullying and cyberbullying and to offer advice and consultations to parents and visitors.

Continue reading Games & Parks Industry January 2025, page 62

Photos Courtesy: TOGO Media

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