A 12-year-classic boy in Italy has developed a fully functional video game showcasing his hometown, demonstrating the potential of young developers and the power of accessible technology. Gabriel Achilli, a student in Isola Vicentina, created “Castelnovo Bros,” a pixel-art platformer reminiscent of classic games like Super Mario Bros., centered around the village of Castelnovo.
Building a Virtual Hometown
Achilli, with support from his parents Roberto and Marzia, spent approximately three months building the game independently. “I wanted to create a video game for a long time,” he explained, “so I looked for an idea that was simple but also original and exciting.” The result is a playable map of Castelnovo, allowing players to explore recognizable landmarks. The game’s retro aesthetic, utilizing pixel art, immediately identifies key locations like the Three Gates in the first level, the town square with the San Vitale war memorial in the second, and the local bar – a central hub for social life – in the third.
According to Achilli, recreating the local church in pixel art proved to be the most challenging aspect of the project. “Reproducing all the details using only colored squares was a demanding task because of its complex structure, but seeing it finished was a great satisfaction.”
Community Engagement and Future Plans
“Castelnovo Bros” is currently available online and is free to play, without any advertising. The game has already gained significant traction within the local community, with players participating in a weekly timed challenge posted by Achilli on Instagram. The game’s success highlights a growing trend of hyper-local game development and community-driven content creation.
Achilli is already planning expansions to the game, incorporating feedback from friends and neighbors. He intends to add novel levels featuring local landmarks such as an old washhouse, the annual “Sagra Gran PoLu” (polenta and sausage festival) held in June, the “Sagra di San Lorenzo” festival in August, a well-known local rocolo (a traditional hunting blind), and the town’s soccer field. He also envisions integrating digital information points throughout the game. When a player reaches a monument, the game would display real photos and historical information, educating players about the history of Castelnovo.
From Gaming to Software Development
While “Castelnovo Bros” is gaining popularity among peers and residents of all ages, Achilli has ambitious plans for the future. He hopes to expand the game to include neighboring towns and villages, continually growing the virtual world he has created. “I am very happy with the success my video game is having with my peers but also with older people,” he said. “I didn’t expect to receive so much satisfaction and seeing my parents proud is the greatest gift.”
Driven by his passion for programming and mathematics, Achilli aspires to launch a software company specializing in video game development, or alternatively, to apply his skills to financial algorithms and economic management. His story underscores the potential for young talent to contribute to the tech industry and the importance of fostering STEM education from an early age.
