An interview with Fortuna Imperatore and Francesca Balestri

Fortuna Imperatore, aka Axel Fox, and Francesca Balestri, the female duo leading Katabasi Studio, reveal the genesis of Parthenope in this exclusive interview.

How can two divergent souls, with starkly contrasting visions, reconcile their differences, find common ground, and collaborate harmoniously on a creative project? This was the initial conceptual hurdle that Fortuna Imperatore, aka Axel Fox, and Francesca Balestri faced head-on during the genesis of Parthenope. Auteur in nature, this project boasts immense potential and exacting standards, born from the minds of two young creatives endowed with great artistic sensibilities.

Fortuna, a self-taught developer, embarked on her journey into game design without prior experience, transforming her life through unwavering determination, extensive research, dedication, and rigorous study. Her path to becoming a professional in the Italian video game industry was defined by experimentation, methodical application, and relentless hard work. She first made waves with Freud’s Bones and later with Bluethroot, establishing herself as one of Italy’s most promising talents.

Francesca, on the other hand, brings a substantial background in video games as an Art Director and 3D Artist, alongside her role as a teacher at the International School of Comics in Florence. Known as “be_frankie” on Twitch, she is an avid gamer with a profound understanding of the gaming industry, as demonstrated through her extensive web content dedicated to analytical studies of video games.

During one of these meetings, where Fortuna was a guest on Francesca’s channel to discuss Freud’s Bones, a profound exchange of ideas and perspectives emerged, igniting the inception of Parthenope. This refined yet highly popular project aims to authentically capture Naples’ beauty, passion, diversity, and above all, its raw authenticity.

We had the opportunity to welcome Fortuna and Francesca – to whom we extend our gratitude for accepting our invitation – to our microphones to ask a few questions. This in-depth interview aims to uncover the essence of their project, reveal the surprises in store for us, and delve into their personal journeys. Stay tuned with us so you don’t miss out.

The Interview

Let’s start the interview with an introductory yet essential question to reconstruct your individual and collective journeys and explore the origins of the Parthenope project. How did you first meet, and under what circumstances? More importantly, what motivations inspired you to conceive and bring to life a creative project of such scale and ambition?

(Francesca): We first connected through the Freud’s Bones project. I was researching video games that integrated psychology into their narrative systems, and I found that there were few examples, with Fortuna’s project being a notable exception at the time. Initially, there wasn’t much information available, but I was impressed and invited her for a live streaming interview. It was a particularly stimulating exchange that carried on beyond the cameras, ultimately leading us to where we are today.

Freud’s Bones emerged from Fortuna’s sense of urgency, while Parthenope springs from a different urgency that we both share and have chosen to express through this new project.

(Fortuna): Well, I’ve always been a gamer. Alongside football, video games were my childhood obsession, a true burning passion. I remember playing Tomba and staying up all night just to keep playing, or diving into Broken Sword. It was like a reality superimposed on reality, giving me profound joy. I played with my cousins and my brother, and that magical circle we created was something I chased throughout my adult life. There’s a constant longing to recapture that feeling of peace, isolation from the world, and unconsciousness.

As for my journey as a gamer, that’s pretty much it. Breaking into the video game industry in Italy felt like kicking down doors, but surprisingly, I didn’t face much resistance. Despite having critics, my unconventional approach intrigued people enough to welcome me in. My advice is always to champion character and originality, especially in thematic choices. That’s the only path I believe in.

Fortuna, you began this journey as a solo developer, is that right?

(Fortuna): Yes, that’s correct. At the time, I was completely new to the field and unaware of the existence of video game journalism. Back in 2018, I couldn’t have imagined that there was a growing interest in video games in Italy.

However, things have changed significantly, especially since the 2000s. The gaming industry in Italy has expanded and gained more credibility. What was once considered a niche interest, associated with societal outcasts who played video games or watched anime, has now become mainstream. Being a “nerd” is more accepted and even celebrated today, partly thanks to the influence of TV series. The medium has evolved and continues to establish its place in popular culture.

Throughout your extensive educational journey, you earned a master’s degree in “Existential Anthropology and Philosophical Counseling” from the European University of Rome, with a thesis titled “Autopoiesis in the Video Game World,” in which you present your personal theory on the creative and philosophical power of certain video games. Could you elaborate on this vision and explain, in your view, what makes video games such a powerful medium?

(Fortuna): When I wrote my thesis on autopoiesis, I was primarily exploring how video games had sparked a profound sense of personal rebirth in me, but in a deliberate way. Up until a certain point in life, we are shaped by various social and familial influences, like being cast in a mold. Then, there comes a moment of clarity—somewhat Nietzschean—where we begin to choose who we want to become.

Video games played a crucial role in this transformation by providing models and aspirational figures that helped guide me. They enabled me to rebuild myself by enhancing aspects of my personality. For example, I was initially naive and emotionally tender, lacking strategic thinking. Through games, I realized the skills I wanted to develop and integrated these experiences into my own personality.

Games like Hitman, Far Cry, and The Last of Us contributed to this personal evolution. It wasn’t a conscious strategy but rather a natural process. I observed that while some people naturally exude charisma, I initially felt I lacked that quality. Video games taught me how to develop it.

My thesis centers around this idea of the virtual world as a powerful and virtuous space. Video games convey messages and values that often go unnoticed in broader society and offer a depth beyond that of cinema and literature. They have the potential to educate and inspire spiritually, which is the essence of what my thesis explores.

How do your psychological skills influence the creative process in video game development? Are the psychological themes you explore a result of your expertise, a professional inclination, or a desire to shed light on particular issues?

(Fortuna): I studied psychology at university, but I don’t consider myself a passionate expert in the field. The university experience didn’t spark significant curiosity or provide me with profound competence, and the degree holds little personal value for me. I initially pursued psychology with the intention of becoming a therapist, but my focus shifted during my studies.

For me, incorporating psychological themes into my work is more about artistic expression—it’s a way of channeling something deeply felt. I’ve encountered various personal crises that video games have helped me confront and process. I realized that video games have the power to explore different facets of personality and allow people to address their issues through play. For example, with Freud’s Bones, I received messages from individuals who had never engaged in therapy but found themselves deeply moved by the game, playing late into the night.

I believe my intuition was correct: Freud’s Bones wasn’t just a reflection of my own experiences but touched on a broader, universal crisis that many people relate to. This is the unique power of video games—they can evoke profound emotional responses, much like cinema, but are often less recognized for this ability. Through my work, I aim to encourage self-analysis and reflection, as I am inherently a deeply analytical person.

Francesca, let’s delve into your background a bit. Did you pursue any specific studies in the arts? What are your main stylistic influences?

(Francesca): I attended an experimental art high school in Lucca and later studied at the Faculty of Architecture in Florence. While this educational path provided a foundational methodology, much of my most significant learning came from self-directed study.

Interestingly, my main source of inspiration is literature. Despite being strongly encouraged to pursue classical studies during my early teens—an area I was not particularly fond of—I chose to follow my artistic interests as a form of rebellion. Fortunately, my family supported my decision and granted me a lot of freedom.

From a young age, literature has sparked my imagination and creativity. I believe that words possess shape, color, and sound, even when taken out of their original context. I often envision words as emerging from a mental black box, projecting them onto various planes to create visual images. As a child, this process was challenging. I wasn’t a prodigy, but my curiosity and love for reading drove me. I recall reading Victor Hugo’s works despite not understanding many of the words, and translating those words into images was both exhausting and excellent training.

(Francesca): It was a gradual process. Simply put, I grew tired of being just a consumer, and this feeling had been building long before 2019, which now seems quite distant to me.

For personal reasons, I wasn’t ready to embark on a project like the one I’m experiencing now with Fortuna. Although I had considered it and done some research, it wasn’t until later that I fully committed to this path.

Before 2019, I was in a state of profound isolation. While I need solitude, during those years, it became overwhelming even for me. I was yearning for active engagement, wanting to study, understand, dissect video games, and foster discussions. I wanted to share my vision and connect with others who had theirs. Meeting Fortuna was a turning point—I believe she reignited perspectives I had long forgotten.

In truth, I didn’t know what or who I was searching for until she came into my life. She uncovered desires buried beneath layers of words. At that moment, I realized I no longer just wanted to talk; I wanted to create and do so alongside her. It felt like finding a kindred spirit with a shared vision.

Transcending entertainment, aspiring to iconic status with a project dedicated to celebrating the freedom and creative vision of its founders—these are the words that describe Katabasi Studio, the independent game company you recently founded. Could you take us through the genesis of the studio and the vision you’ve crafted? What message do you aim to convey, through what means, and to what audience do you intend to reach?

(Fortuna): As a slogan, I’d say that my approach doesn’t follow a meticulously planned path. I want to dispel the myth that my creations involve months of detailed planning. Often, ideas come to me in just a few minutes. For instance, I came up with the collective’s slogan in under two minutes.

My mind tends to quickly synthesize complex concepts. With Francesca, we aimed to develop an artistic vision for the collective that transcends the typical video game studio model. We envision something akin to Warhol’s Factory or Lady Gaga’s approach—expanding into various mediums, not just video games.

Many game studios rely on clichés and rigid frameworks, which is why many games, unless they are highly unique, fail to make a lasting impact. Our aim is to move beyond mere entertainment and appeal to a broader audience, including those who have never played a video game. We’ve already received interest from people who previously disliked video games but were intrigued by our trailer.

We want to challenge the prejudices against video games and establish ourselves as iconic. We’ve combined our visions and recruited individuals who are open to working with two female leaders—a rarity in the industry. These collaborators are passionate, eager to experiment, and focused on the artistic aspects of game development rather than just the hours or financial aspects. They brought their own contacts, creating a team dedicated to making profound, emotionally resonant games. Now, we’re seeking investors to support this vision.

The creative process behind Parthenope was described by Francesca as a true katabasis—a descent into the Underworld. It was a mystical journey where Fortuna, like Virgil guiding Dante, led you to immerse yourself in Naples, absorbing its romantic, tragic, spiritual, and carnal essence. What motivated you to undertake this katabasis, and why do you believe this approach is, has been, and will be the most appropriate for telling Parthenope’s story?

(Francesca): You mentioned Dante, and it reminds me of the first verse of the Divine Comedy. At 30, I no longer recognized the person in the mirror. I was standing on the edge of an infernal abyss, facing a choice: remain immobile on that threshold forever or throw myself in and confront the shadows. I chose the latter and believe I continue to choose it every day. I have accepted my shadows and want to keep doing so.

The only way not to remain stagnant is to keep moving; nothing is born from immobility. Naples helps me in this. Naples embraces every part of you, even the darkest. Naples does not judge but frees the narrative we create of ourselves. And in Naples, you can only descend, both physically and intrapsychically.

I believe this approach, at least from my perspective, aligns closely with Fortuna’s vision. This is the only way to tell the story of Naples, and thus Parthenope.

The distinct impression is that in Parthenope, the city of Naples will not merely serve as a backdrop or context, but will be a protagonist in its own right. So, our question is: why did you choose Naples? Can it be said that you chose Naples, or rather, that Naples chose you?

(Francesca): In my case, Naples chose me twice. It was a call that lasted more than ten years, and I followed that call. At some point, it became a conversation I could no longer postpone. I realized, especially in recent years, that this land is literally a living entity that knows how to communicate, listens to you, and wants to be listened to. So yes, I was ensnared by the city; I did not choose it.

(Fortuna): For me, it’s more about a carnal connection and profound hatred. I have felt more hatred towards this land than love. I perceived it as a stepmother, a distorted maternal figure. I fought against the idealization of Naples, against those who only described its beauties. For a period, I closely followed Saviano and through him, I wanted to look into the abyss of this city, contrasting with the idyllic postcards of it. I adopted that vision for years, along with the desire to escape, a feeling common to those who live here intensely because you feel betrayed, living in a place of breathtaking beauty that seems to have no space for you.

I remember my irritation when I saw the mural in Posillipo that read “I look at you and fall in love,” referring to the city. I considered this constant infatuation a privilege of Rome. At first, it bothered me to think of the wasted beauty of Naples, which stuns and lulls you. I wondered why everything else didn’t work and felt the city had no place for me.

Only later did I understand that I resemble Naples. My abilities, my soul, my heart are profoundly Neapolitan. I love and hate like Neapolitans do. I think outside the box because I always feel oppressed, like Neapolitans. Without wanting to cause harm, I look for ways to infiltrate the system.

I fell in love with Naples after overcoming my existential crisis with Freud’s Bones. Now, I feel the need to talk about this bond and how I believe there is a Neapolitan inside all of us, a part that needs to be evoked. It is this Neapolitan part that can help us adhere to our true selves, to accept not being crushed. Naples teaches you to win, in some way, to achieve a goal, whatever the means. For me, loving Naples is now much more conscious.

An enigmatic and timeless Naples, where history intertwines with legend in a web of mysteries to unravel. Although Parthenope is set in a completely fictional chronological period, is there a specific historical era of Naples’ history that inspired the lore concept?

(Francesca): There are many, actually. Naples has an extensive and deeply interconnected history and culture, enriched by numerous historical and mythological figures. Certain periods marked significant turning points, both positive and negative, whose effects still resonate today.

One such period was the Spanish domination, which lasted about 200 years and drastically transformed Neapolitan reality in every aspect. However, we haven’t pinpointed an exact timeframe for the entire story of Parthenope. The game will feature many references to various historical eras, even though we can’t delve into all of them in detail. The most important and decisive ones will be prominently reflected in the game.

A tale woven from mythology and folklore, legend and symbolism. Naples is one of Italy’s cities most deeply intertwined with myth, hidden behind its rich history. From the legend of the Munaciello to the Janara, the Neapolitan witch, and the ghosts of Castel Sant’Elmo, how will your game portray Neapolitan folklore and the legend of Parthenope the Siren who is said to have founded the city?

(Fortuna): We’ve devoted considerable effort to crafting a Neapolitan bestiary, delving into these figures, myths, and folklore with a balance of carnival-like exuberance and tragicomic depth. Instead of a stereotypical monstrous bestiary, we’ve focused on the unique characteristics of figures like the Munaciello, the Janara, and the ciucciuvettole—women with hunchbacks who resembled owls and were known for their gossip.

Our goal is not to produce literal monsters but to convey that certain morphological features of Neapolitans are exaggerated to fit a unique category of beings. When we refer to ourselves as “beasts,” it’s self-empowering; when others use the term, it’s problematic. Therefore, if I call us beasts, it’s entirely fitting, as each of us can be seen through those lenses.

As for the legends, we’ve meticulously selected a wide range of myths and stories. These will be integrated as subquests within the game, with some moving beyond traditional mythology to delve into more modern myths and the sanctification of contemporary figures.

(Francesca): In this regard, I aim to provide a counterbalance. I place great importance on historical and cultural accuracy, so our work speaks not only to those unfamiliar with Naples and its legends but also to those who were born, grew up, and may still live in Naples. However, we don’t want this commitment to restrict our creativity or interpretative freedom.

(Fortuna): As for the siren Parthenope, Francesca conducted extensive research and decided to move away from the traditional fish-tailed siren image. Instead of depicting a siren with a fish tail, we will portray Parthenope as a Greek siren, more akin to a bird-woman or a harpy. Although the romantic image I initially envisioned wasn’t historically accurate, we chose to represent the truth. Parthenope, in her authentic form, was half-woman and half-bird. This representation aligns better with the concept of Virgil’s egg, which also aids us symbolically and in our promotional efforts.

Unveiling the essence of Naples will be central to Parthenope, serving as the key to unlocking the city’s hidden mysteries. How will players be able to immerse themselves in the true spirit of Naples, and what does this entail both narratively and in terms of gameplay? Will players’ choices have significant consequences that shape their personal experience and interactions within the game?

(Fortuna): As an RPG, Parthenope will offer both meaningful consequences and true freedom of choice. This means that narrative paths and flowcharts will diverge based on players’ decisions, with interactions ranging from highly impactful to more subtle.

I have a strong aversion to games that promise freedom of choice but deliver very little. Recognizing this issue in video games led me to challenge this deceptive design in Freud’s Bones, where supposed “agency” was often absent. In Parthenope, we’ve aimed to address this flaw as much as possible.

In terms of immersing players in the essence of Naples, this will be achieved through the game’s complex RPG mechanics and the character builds associated with the Three Patron Saints: Pulcinella, Masaniello, and San Gennaro. Each Saint represents a different facet of Neapolitan identity: Pulcinella embodies a blend of cheerfulness and melancholy, charismatic yet deeply resentful, interacting across social strata with irony as a tool; Masaniello is a revolutionary leader, politically driven and sometimes domineering, with the power to rally the masses; and San Gennaro, associated with necromancy, spirituality, and analytical prowess, is also the patron saint of immigrants and those seeking redemption.

Players will be able to choose to blend abilities from these three Saints to create a unique character build or focus on one exclusively. This choice will shape their approach to the game world. Our goal is to instill the idea that “The Neapolitan in you exists.” We provide the framework, but it’s up to the player to master it. In a way, it’s almost like an educational game, akin to a serious game. Even though it’s a commercial product and not linked to psychology, it aims to teach that there’s always a way to succeed and assert oneself in reality.

Building on your earlier point about the impact of choices in video games and the often illusory sense of freedom given to players, our next question is: will Parthenope feature a morality system, and if so, how will it influence the narrative and player experience?

(Fortuna): Unfortunately, no. While I did consider incorporating a morality system, I realized it would be at odds with the nature of Naples as we’ve depicted it. Naples, as portrayed in the game, operates on an amoral basis, in the sense described by Machiavelli. The city is not guided by traditional morality; instead, actions are driven by passion and personal ethics rather than a strict adherence to moral rules or expectations of future rewards.

(Francesca): This connects to what I mentioned earlier about Naples being a city that refrains from judgment.

(Fortuna): Instead, we place a strong emphasis on reputation. However, this won’t be tracked through visible stats or bars—which I find cumbersome and intrusive. Reputation and your standing within specific neighborhoods will be key in Parthenope. Players will need to navigate this aspect intuitively, picking up on clues through interactions with NPCs and their surroundings, without explicit visual or numerical indicators of their reputation.

Creating an RPG is no small feat, especially with the high expectations set by contemporary role-playing games. What’s clear from your previous work is your knack for engaging and surprising players, imbuing each of your projects with a unique sense of originality. With that in mind, how have you chosen to structure your RPG, and what distinctive elements do you believe will set it apart in the gaming landscape?

(Fortuna): In my case, I leaned heavily on Francesca because, unlike a typical designer, I’m more of a game author. My approach to game design often unfolds unconsciously, which isn’t ideal for an RPG, given its technical demands. Francesca’s extensive experience and her hyper-analytical mindset were invaluable. She guided me through studying classic RPGs like Disco Elysium and Dungeons & Dragons, but my goal was never to replicate these; rather, I sought to forge a new path.

I spent months trying to redefine the main build and its characteristics, intentionally avoiding the typical D&D build traits that wouldn’t fit Parthenope’s context. My aim was to innovate and transform the system, ultimately deciding to deconstruct it and retain only its core elements. In Parthenope, there will be three distinct builds, each breaking away from traditional RPG schemes to introduce unique traits. Francesca played a crucial role in this process, providing the knowledge and information I needed to explore these ideas.

To challenge the conventional system, we chose to use the GUMSHOE system—a design approach found in games like Call of Cthulhu—that ensures the narrative remains fluid and uninterrupted. Many games falter when players make unexpected choices, leading to dead ends. This issue surfaced in my experience with Disco Elysium, a game we both admire, which sometimes broke down with specific player choices. To address this, I aimed to design an RPG that embraced the essence of Naples. My guiding principle has always been: “Think of it as set in Naples.” Parthenope isn’t a medieval fantasy with traditional RPG elements like warriors and paladins; it’s something entirely different. This approach meant starting from scratch, without existing references or frameworks.

Interestingly, Francesca pointed out that Freud’s Bones already contained elements of RPG design, particularly in the Eckman Café section, where interacting with patrons involves a role-playing aspect—interpreting responses and managing resources. I hadn’t recognized this until Francesca highlighted it.

(Francesca): I aimed to offer Fortuna different perspectives on what role-playing truly means and involves. Often, RPGs are viewed through the lens of mechanics, builds, statistics, or points to spend—elements that I personally love. The more features I see on the screen, the more engaged and satisfied I feel. I grew up as a player, first with JRPGs and later with Western CRPGs during my pre-teen and teenage years. My goal was simply to convey my vision of gaming to her.

I realized that adhering strictly to traditional RPG frameworks would be limiting for Fortuna, so I provided her with complete freedom, trusting her instincts. I believe Fortuna has a natural talent for game design, so I encouraged her to follow her intuition rather than rely heavily on conventional systems. These traditional approaches could potentially produce a result lacking in originality and may not meet the very high standards of modern RPGs.

Parthenope builds — A first look at the three builds of Parthenope

At the heart of the game is a strong investigative component that deeply influences the gameplay. Could you provide more details on how this will be structured? What various investigative techniques and methods will the protagonist use to interact with and alter the world around them?

(Fortuna): We decided to focus on cultural anthropology for this project. While a more conventional approach like criminology might have been simpler and more straightforward, I wanted to avoid the obvious path. Cultural anthropology, much like psychoanalysis, is a complex field with no single method for handling investigative material; it requires in-depth, specific interviews and immersion in the subject matter.

A cultural anthropologist typically immerses themselves in a community, conducting interviews and integrating into local life to gain a deeper understanding. Bronisław Malinowski’s work in the Trobriand Islands is a prime example. He integrated into their indigenous cultures, familiarized himself with local customs, and, once accepted by the community, was able to understand their cultural, economic, and family dynamics.

In Parthenope, we apply a similar approach to the city of Naples. The cultural anthropologist arrives with the goal of deciphering the city’s complex investigative framework. The city is divided into three key neighborhoods, each with its own “Patron” or central figure. Players must navigate through these areas, dealing with a pervasive, almost psychiatric condition that affects every corner of the city. The goal is to piece together family genealogies and uncover dysfunctional dynamics, fully integrating into each neighborhood’s context to reach the Patron, who serves as the ultimate challenge for that area.

This approach mirrors Malinowski’s method of participant observation: not just observing but actively engaging with the community. Players will build relationships and interact with local families to gather information and progress. Our goal is to make the concept of cultural anthropology engaging and interactive, ensuring a dynamic and immersive experience for players, and moving away from a static “read, click, and choose” model.

From a visual and spatial perspective, have you already envisioned the characteristics and scale of the world in which the protagonist will navigate? Will the design retain a perspective style similar to Fortuna’s previous works, or are you planning something entirely new and distinctive?

(Francesca): Absolutely, the game will be in 3D. We’re investing a lot of effort into both level design and camera management, particularly due to Naples’ intricate layout. While we won’t be creating a 1:1 scale replica of the neighborhoods, our goal is to make our version of Naples in Parthenope both recognizable and immersive, capturing the city’s essence and atmosphere.

We need to adhere closely to our design parameters but are actively seeking the optimal approach. Interestingly, having a reference point like Naples can make the creative process more challenging, not less. Unlike film direction or traditional artistic representation, video games have specific requirements that must be addressed to create a satisfying and engaging experience.

We’re experimenting with different camera angles, and I’m leaning towards a top-down, isometric view. Exploration is a key aspect of role-playing games, and I believe a wider perspective can enhance curiosity and engagement, as opposed to a third-person view. This approach is especially fitting given the complex, maze-like nature of Naples, which, while potentially restrictive, could also make for a highly immersive and evocative experience.

The inclusion of the three Patron Saints as antagonists and the carnival bestiary within the city hints at intriguing possibilities that have sparked our imagination. Will Parthenope feature a combat system that lets players confront and counter these threats, or will the only means of dealing with danger be through investigative skills alone?

(Fortuna): In Parthenope, there are no traditional combat encounters—no enemies to defeat or wounds to inflict. The focus is purely on an intrapsychological and investigative level. However, to maintain high engagement and dynamism for players, we’ve integrated a system that offers a form of challenge akin to a “coffee break”—not a relaxing pause, but an invigorating experience, much like the jolt from an espresso.

This system will be implemented, but only in specific areas of each neighborhood, and it will be strictly non-violent. Instead of using weapons or magic, we’re incorporating mechanics inspired by games that eschew traditional combat. This approach represents a significant shift from conventional systems.

The goal is to provide players with a sense of achievement through these challenges. After conducting thorough investigations, players will have the opportunity to confront a Patron and unlock the key to overcoming that neighborhood.

It’s crucial to ensure that players feel rewarded for their efforts, so I’m working on structuring this system to be impactful yet seamlessly integrated into the overall experience.

Umberto Boldarin, a talented young sound and video designer born in 1997, will be overseeing one of the project’s key aspects: the sound design and soundtrack composition. What result are you aiming to achieve? Will the soundtrack reflect traditional Neapolitan folk music, or do you have something entirely different in mind?

(Francesca): Drawing from the teaser, where Umberto handled both the sound design and the music composition, I can provide some insight. The teaser was a challenging project for him and served as a significant test. Despite Fortuna and I sharing a synergistic vision, we have distinctly different artistic sensibilities, often leading to contrasting perspectives. For instance, while Fortuna leaned towards incorporating tribal sounds to align with Neapolitan traditions, I provided Umberto with classical music references, focusing on more tragic and epic tones. Our initial challenge was to merge these divergent visions and find a harmonious balance.

Umberto’s deep musical knowledge and artistic sensitivity were crucial during the teaser’s development. He explained the challenge of merging two seemingly conflicting genres: tribal music, which is instinctive and viscerally engaging, and classical music, which is technically rigorous. This dichotomy mirrors the differences between Fortuna and me: Fortuna favors instinct, while I lean towards harmony.

In the game, we aim to maintain this fusion of styles. Personally, I’m eager to explore further and incorporate elements of electronic music, which I’m confident Umberto would also enjoy, given his passion for the genre. He recently released a high-quality electronic album, and I believe he’d be thrilled to contribute some electronic music to our project.

(Fortuna): I completely agree! While we won’t be incorporating contemporary elements purely for aesthetic reasons, I’m excited about blending different musical genres. We initially experimented with this concept in the teaser but chose to focus on tribal, majestic, and intense music due to the teaser’s short duration.

We’re thrilled with the positive reception of the teaser. Although we can’t reveal specifics just yet, the Siren’s song and various symbols in the teaser contain hidden easter eggs related to the game’s lore.

Musically, we’re drawing from a wide range of sources, including Enzo Avitabile and the Bottari. Our goal is to explore and showcase the rich nuances of Neapolitan music while steering clear of the typical stereotypes often associated with it.

Your previous works, Freud’s Bones and Bluethroot, have showcased a distinctive socio-psychological approach. With Parthenope marking a shift towards a project with a pronounced artistic and cultural focus, we’re curious to know: will Parthenope retain the signature style that has characterized your earlier titles, or are you exploring a new direction?

(Fortuna): As an independent creator, I initially aimed to establish a unique trademark for myself. Over time, I’ve realized that my works consistently delve into the depth and complexity of human themes, touching on not just psychology but the very core of human experience. With Parthenope, while collaborating with Francesca this time, the narrative and stylistic approach will maintain its raw, unfiltered nature. The storytelling will be direct and unrestrained, free from rigid structures, and intentionally provocative.

I’ve always sought to provoke thought and emotion in my work, and in Parthenope, I’m pushing this provocativeness even further, striving to reach new heights that I haven’t yet achieved, even with Freud’s Bones. Although Freud’s Bones allowed me significant creative freedom, technical limitations, time constraints, and a certain level of caution held me back from fully realizing my vision.

Although Freud’s Bones included elements of nudity and sexual themes, they were somewhat restrained and didn’t produce the profound impact I had hoped for. In Parthenope, I feel a greater sense of freedom, particularly because the setting of Naples is ideal for this approach. Therefore, I am committed to advancing along this path, aiming to make a significant leap forward in terms of artistic expression and thematic depth.

What are the future plans for Parthenope? How is development progressing, and what are the key milestones for this year? Do you have an estimated release window and target platforms in mind for the game?

(Fortuna): We’ve outlined a three-year development process. Last year, we had a productive meeting in Florence with producers from Devolver Digital and other publishers, which sparked substantial interest from Devolver. During that meeting, we presented an initial pitch, and they requested a draft of demonstrative material to better understand how we plan to bring the project to life. In response, I created a detailed business plan outlining the development milestones and key elements of the project. The feedback from the producers was very encouraging; they found our proposal both compelling and promising.

Our next step is to find investors who align with our vision for the project, ideally from outside the video game industry. I prefer this route to preserve maximum creative and authorial freedom, as publishers often bring their own criteria and constraints to the table, which can be limiting.

Although we’re still in the early stages of seeking funding, the feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive. Our current focus is on addressing the financial aspects to move the project forward.

Conclusions

We have reached the end of this engaging and insightful conversation with Fortuna and Francesca. We are very grateful to both of them for sharing valuable details and anecdotes about their experiences in the wonderful world of video games and their upcoming project, Parthenope, which we eagerly anticipate playing.

To learn more about Parthenope, we invite you to visit the official Katabasi Studio website and the LinkedIn profiles of Fortuna Imperatore and Francesca Balestri. There, you can explore their stories, artistic journeys, and stay updated on all their future projects.

Thank you for joining us today. Until next time!

Grown up with MediEvil and DOOM and fascinated by the video game world since 1998. This passion stems from a desire to discover and research the videogame at 360 degrees, with particular attention to the Indie scene.

I’m an Italian artist who came late to the gaming world but fell in love with it right away. I’m not the best gamer, and I choose titles that appeal to my personal preferences, but I can appreciate the graphics content and artistic solutions above all, even as I learn about all the fascinating game development features.