Cecilia Ciocchetti

Video games are the most complete form of storytelling humans have ever created. They combine every narrative technique we’ve invented — writing, music, art, performance, interactivity — into one cohesive, living experience. Unlike films or books, games allow players to influence the story, not just witness it. They make us part of the narrative itself. The only thing games still can’t fully replicate is the physical, environmental immersion of a live performance, like theatre.

33 Immortals by Thunder Lotus absolutely deserves more attention! It’s a co-op action game that redefines what large-scale cooperation can feel like in gaming. Instead of the usual chaos that happens when too many players share the same space, 33 Immortals makes collaboration a necessity. You MUST rely on others to survive and your success feels genuinely collective! The game’s mechanics are designed to reward cooperation over competition, creating a sense of camaraderie you rarely find in online, co-op games where toxicity runs rampant.

It’s hard to narrow it down to just one, because I’ve written pieces that resonate with me in very different ways… There’s the deep dive into the mental health struggles of LEC players, which meant a lot because it gave visibility to an often-overlooked side of professional esports. Then there’s the heartfelt, almost impossible to believe, story about a mother whose waters broke while she was playing League of Legends. I also loved going behind the scenes with the Riot Games creative teams, exploring how they craft those iconic cinematic trailers that define esports storytelling at LoL Worlds. Probably the piece I’m most proud of is one I haven’t written yet. There’s always another story waiting to be told, and that sense of curiosity keeps me wanting to write more.

I don’t. Let me explain. The gaming industry is vast and constantly evolving, spanning development, esports, culture, tech, cultural moments, and even politics. Even if I follow PR releases, developer blogs, and social media daily, and I read across multiple outlets to stay connected, it’s never enough. There is always and there will always be some new game or story I will not hear about. But over the years I’ve built a network of colleagues, PR professionals, and friends who all specialize in different areas. We share updates, insights, and sometimes just thoughts about what’s shaping the industry. I tend to focus on Riot Games titles, creative storytelling, and the intersection of gaming with music and pop culture—but I would rely on my network if I needed to be informed about anything else.

The game name is Ib. It’s a small, eerie indie game that kinda went viral in the early 2010s. I went into it completely blind—no trailers, no reviews, no prior knowledge—and that experience was magical. Every discovery felt personal, like I was unwrapping a mystery that existed just for me! I don’t often get to experience games without knowing anything, especially since it’s becoming a trend to spoil major plot points in trailers… Ib blends horror, art, and subtle storytelling in such an intimate way that you can’t help but project your own emotions into it! It’s short, simple, but unforgettable – I would recommend anyone to try it. I think that’s the kind of experience that reminds us why we love games, not because they’re massive or cinematic, but because they can surprise us when we least expect it.