40 Years of Castlevania: Michiru Yamane Guest Star at Game Ground

Bolzano, October 2026 – It was 1986 when the first Castlevania debuted in Japan. Forty years later, the Konami saga is one of the most iconic and influential in video game history, inspiring generations of developers and, along with Metroid, lending its name to an entire genre: metroidvania. And if there's one figure who, more than any other, has defined its sound identity, it's Michiru Yamane, a composer and pianist who, starting with Castlevania: Bloodlines (1994), has scored many of the series' most beloved chapters. Most notably Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997), whose soundtrack – an intertwining of classical, gothic, and rock – is still considered one of the most celebrated of all time. This year, to celebrate 40 years of Castlevania, fans and enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity… to meet her! Where? At Game Ground 2026, the festival dedicated to video game culture that will take place in Bolzano, from October 16 to 18.

“Although I didn't participate in the creation of the latest title, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, I'm sure it's a wonderful game. It truly makes me happy to see young talents continue to bring new Castlevania adventures to life, accompanying this beloved series into the future. In the year we celebrate Castlevania's 40th anniversary, I feel deep gratitude for having had the honor of being part of its long and extraordinary history” pleasantly declared Michiru Yamane.

This year, more than ever, Game Ground aims to confirm that it is not a typical gaming fair: the goal is to allow the public to directly meet those who create video games and to understand their processes, skills, and culture. For three days, the city will become the stage where international guests, industry professionals, and various content creators with millions of followers will “perform”, amidst gaming areas, panels, talks, workshops, Game Jams, and tournaments, all in the spirit of fun and the celebration of what is now, to all intents and purposes, a true art form.

Organized by the BeYoung (UPAD) association with the support of the Office for Youth Policies of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, the Youth Office of the Municipality of Bolzano, the Bolzano Tourist Board, and the Cassa di Risparmio Foundation, Game Ground 2026 will once again take place itinerantly among some of the city's symbolic locations, starting with Mareccio Castle, giving them, once again this year, great value.

A sixth edition that, alongside big international names, will dedicate ample space to Italians who work or have worked abroad, to showcase how much local talent is already present in the international industry, often in key roles within major productions. All enriched by highly specialized panels and workshops, dedicated to the various disciplines of development.

The highlight to circle in red on the calendar is, without a doubt, the meeting with the superstar of the 2026 edition of Game Ground: Michiru Yamane! During the chat, the composer will retrace her long connection with Castlevania, sharing anecdotes, curiosities, and behind-the-scenes stories of the soundtracks that have accompanied one of the most important sagas in video game history with the many fans who will flock to the event.

Great attention will also be given to the world of mods, to which Game Ground dedicates a specific focus this year, also through workshops and a Game Jam. The protagonist will be Team FOLON, the group behind Fallout: London, who will bring an in-depth look at modding and the birth of one of the most ambitious fan-made projects of recent years to Bolzano.

Holding high the flag of Italian development will be Ubisoft Milan, protagonist of “Rayman Legends Retold”, a meeting dedicated to the creation and realization of the title releasing on December 3rd and the Milanese studio's contribution to one of Ubisoft's historical IPs.

Then there's space for workshops, designed for those who dream of making video games. Francesco Baldini, Lead Character Artist of South of Midnight, will guide participants in discovering Character Art, concretely explaining how a character is born and built within a video game production, from concept to production pipeline. Diego Ricchiuti, Game Designer with collaborations on titles like Dying Light and Ghost Recon, will instead provide a practical in-depth look at game design, also aimed at students and aspiring developers.

Panels and workshops, yes, but also the chance to see your idols up close. Among the most anticipated names from the creator scene will be Yotobi, one of the pioneers of the Italian web; Poldo, YouTuber, streamer, and “Internet archaeologist”, expected on the Main Stage for Q&A, challenges with the audience, and meet & greet with autograph signing; Favij, the first Italian YouTuber to surpass one million subscribers; and Slim Dogs, with the Gaming Dogs project. Not to mention festival regulars Svet and Victorlaszlo88, along with Save a Gamer.

This and much more, for an edition of Game Ground that aims to confirm itself as one of the most relevant national events dedicated to the world of gaming.

“Game Ground reaches its sixth edition with an increasingly clear identity: we don't want to be a fair, but a place where the public can meet those who create video games and truly understand how they are made” declares Mario Petillo, Artistic Director of Game Ground. “Celebrating 40 years of Castlevania with Michiru Yamane means recognizing how much music is part of a video game's very identity: her melodies have accompanied entire generations of players, and having her in Bolzano is a source of great pride for us. This year, we also want to highlight how much Italian talent is already a protagonist in the international industry, from character art to game design, up to the development of major IPs”.

“Game Ground is not just an event for video game enthusiasts: it's a festival that embodies essential values for our territory, such as innovation, inclusivity, and the active involvement of young people. This year, in particular, the choice to tell the story of many Italian professionals established abroad offers young people concrete role models and demonstrates that digital and creative skills can open the doors to a global industry. With its dynamic format, ranging from workshops to Game Jams, from tournaments to discussion moments, this event represents an extraordinary platform for promoting the development of these skills. Supporting projects like this is part of our vision of a Province that invests in the future of new generations, and Game Ground fits perfectly into our youth policies, which aim to offer young people concrete tools to face the challenges of tomorrow” thus stated the Vice President of the Province of Bolzano and Councillor for Italian Culture and Education, Marco Galateo.