Mattia is sixteen years old and lives in Taranto. He attends the third year of a computer science programme at the Istituto superiore Pacinotti. He plays ping pong professionally in the Category D championship. He also loves like single player (Uncharted) and multiplayer videogames (Call of Duty). He has been using virtual reality visors for at least two years, well before the metaverse was on everybody’s lips. More recently, he has grown interested in Wallet, NFT and blockchain, but he admits that “it is hard for someone young to invest their earnings with these tools.”
He loves programming and has chosen to participate in Ambizione Italia School Programme to improve his skills in this area. As an adult, he dreams of becoming a videogame developer.
How did you get into computer science and coding?
“My passion for computer science and coding began with videogames. My love of gaming has always exceeded the limit of streamplay. At a young age, I understood that the most stimulating thing was to find something different. So, I began exploring, creating 3D models, modifying textures and developing real video games.”
Do you share this dream with friends?
“None of my friends are interested in becoming videogame developers. However, if I were to ask any one of them if they know what I want to do they would know. Everybody knows. I share my passion with all those who are close to me.”
Even with your family?
“Sure, even with my family. My father is a programme and my mothers, although not very scientifically inclined, backs my choices. It’s a family passion. My three-year-old brother almost uses a tablet better than I do!”
Do you think participating in the course helped you develop new skills?
“Yes, definitely. I was able to share ideas with professionals and I finally understood how to use Visual Studio and Unity professionally. These are indispensable skills for me, having always modelled objects in 2D. This is a real improvement milestone.”
Do you have anyone that inspires you?
“Yes, I am very inspired by the tenacity of a young modeller, designer and YouTuber: Riccardo Cambò, aka Breccia. He often speaks about his life and how he became a designer. I think he’s a good guy, one who knows what he is doing. I’ve liked watching him grow.”
What do you think will be the hardest challenge to face?
“A lot depends on which route I undertake. I will certainly go to university. Then, the challenge will be finding the job of my dreams. Working in a multinational specialised in developing videogames, like Sony, can be very hard. The same is true if I want to go independently. In this case, the challenge is having a fantastic idea, inventing a game that goes viral.”
What do you think about the way in which the virtual world can interfere with social and human relations?
“I’ve never had any problems with real life, but I love being in front of my console. There, there are no limits of either time or space, between my friends and me. I even met my girlfriend on-line, playing a game. She lives in Palermo; I live in Taranto. So, without on-line gaing we would never have met. We have been together for a year and a half and have often met up in real life, too.”
Meeting on-line can be fun, but also very risky? Did you take any precautions?
“Yes, I’m quite aware of what goes on on-line, and quite quickly spot a fraud. In any case, my advice is: If you meet a person on-line, never meet them alone in real life. When I met my girlfriend, I was with friends. I’ve always had someone with me in case anything goes wrong, so they could help me.”
