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Mauro Fanelli
Chief Executive Officer presso Mixedbag Srl
Professional Background
Mauro Fanelli is a passionate and dedicated figure in the gaming industry, with a career that spans over two decades. He first encountered the world of video games at an exceptionally young age, starting at just four years old with the VCS2600. This formative experience quickly blossomed into a love for programming, which he developed further using Basic on a Commodore 64.
In 1997, Mauro took a significant step into the professional arena by founding the Italian video game online magazine, Alternative-Reality.com. His visionary approach allowed this platform to evolve into a pioneering network of entertainment websites known as AR Network. In 2002, Mauro made a strategic decision to sell AR Network to Netaddiction Srl, a prominent name in Italy’s gaming media landscape, known for its flagship site Multiplayer.it. Following this transition, he served as the Console Editor in Chief for two influential years at Netaddiction, bringing his expertise and passion to an even larger audience. Mauro has continued to maintain a connection with Netaddiction as a shareholder since the acquisition, solidifying his long-term commitment to the European gaming community.
After spending some time away from the gaming scene to explore other interests, Mauro re-entered the industry with renewed vigor. He co-founded MixedBag Srl, a dynamic indie development studio based in Turin, alongside his collaborator Andrea Gellato. The company’s mission is to forge unique and engaging gaming experiences and to contribute to the growing landscape of indie game development.
Education and Achievements
Mauro’s educational journey took place at the esteemed Liceo Classico Valsalice, where he developed a strong foundation in critical thinking and creativity. While the details of his academic achievements may not be extensively documented, his career serves as a testament to his innovative spirit and commitment to the gaming industry.
Over the years, Mauro has held numerous notable positions that underscore his expertise and leadership in the field. From 2016 to 2018, he served as Program Director at Cinecittà Game Hub, an initiative aimed at fostering growth in the Italian gaming sector. His involvement with IIDEA (Italian Interactive Digital Entertainment Association) is equally impressive, where he has performed roles spanning from Developer Representative to Vice President. Additionally, Mauro has served on the Board of Directors of AESVI (Italian Entertainment Software Publishers Association), contributing his skills and insights to the publications representing video game developers in Italy.
Mauro’s influence extends beyond his administrative roles; he has actively participated in fostering a vibrant community for developers and gamers alike, promoting collaboration and innovation in the tech entertainment space.
Notable Projects and Contributions
A significant highlight of Mauro’s career is the launch of his first game, Futuridium EP, which is available on multiple platforms including PC, Mac, and iOS. This marks the beginning of his journey as a game developer, showcasing his ability to blend passion for gaming with technical prowess. Building upon this success, Mauro and the MixedBag team are set to release an enhanced version titled Futuridium EP Deluxe, aimed at PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita users, enhancing the gaming experience further and reaching a broader audience.
The pinnacle of Mauro’s contributions is perhaps best illustrated through the development of forma.8—his largest project to date. Scheduled for release in 2014 across platforms such as PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, iOS, PC, Mac, and Linux, forma.8 exemplifies his commitment to crafting immersive adventure experiences that captivate players globally. Through these projects, Mauro has solidified a reputation for creating enchanting narratives and innovative gameplay mechanics, bridging the indie gaming ethos with mainstream appeal.
In summary, Mauro Fanelli is a transformative figure in the video game industry. From his early programming experiences to his integral roles in various organizations and successful ventures as a developer, he embodies the spirit of innovation and creativity that drives the video game landscape forward. His work with MixedBag Srl, along with his dedication to nurturing the Italian gaming community, positions him as a pivotal influence not only in Italy but also on an international scale.
