Che sta succedendo al Lucca Comics & Games?

Summary

In this candid reflection on Lucca Comics and Games 2024, the speaker discusses a noticeable decline in attendance, rising costs, and a lack of variety that made the event feel less vibrant. While still passionate about the festival, they emphasize that the rising prices, especially for accommodations, have made it less accessible, and the generational shift towards an older audience threatens the event’s future. The speaker urges for a reevaluation of pricing and offerings to maintain Lucca's inclusivity, diversity, and relevance for younger generations, ensuring its sustainability for years to come.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video is a candid and unprepared reflection on the 2024 Lucca Comics and Games, with an honest critique of the event's issues.
• 😀 The speaker expresses deep affection for Lucca, considering it a celebration that blends New Year's, Carnival, and birthdays, but they feel that something went wrong this year.
• 😀 The attendance at the event in 2024 was notably lower, with 275,000 tickets sold compared to 314,000 in 2023, indicating a significant decline.
• 😀 The cost of attending Lucca has become unsustainable for many, including high hotel prices and inflated costs for food and accommodations, making it difficult for average visitors and exhibitors.
• 😀 Rising costs for exhibitors (like booth rentals) are not matched by higher returns, which could lead to a decrease in participation and satisfaction.
• 😀 There is concern that increasing prices for attending the event will exclude families and make Lucca more of an event for specific, affluent groups.
• 😀 The event's variety of offerings felt reduced this year, with fewer exciting new displays and some exhibits underwhelming or poorly presented.
• 😀 The speaker notes that Lucca Comics is struggling with generational changes, as it appears to cater mostly to people in their 30s and 40s, but that demographic may not have the purchasing power to sustain the event's high costs.
• 😀 A shift in focus towards a more mature audience with limited purchasing power could jeopardize the future of Lucca Comics and Games unless the target demographic is expanded.
• 😀 There is a sense that Lucca Comics has become complacent, relying on past successes and failing to innovate or secure a sustainable future for the event.
• 😀 Despite these concerns, the speaker reaffirms their love for Lucca Comics and Games and emphasizes that their criticisms are meant to be constructive, hoping for positive changes to preserve its unique cultural value.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to offer a critical yet constructive reflection on **Lucca Comics and Games 2024**, highlighting the event's strengths and issues that need to be addressed for its future sustainability.

What concerns does the speaker raise about the event's attendance?

The speaker notes a significant decline in attendance, with 275,000 tickets sold in 2024, down from 319,000 in 2022. This drop in numbers, along with a quieter atmosphere, suggests that the event may be experiencing reduced interest.

How does the speaker explain the drop in attendance?

The speaker attributes the drop in attendance to the inflated numbers during 2022 and 2023, possibly driven by the post-pandemic excitement. The 2024 numbers reflect a return to a more typical or natural level of attendance.

What is the issue with the cost of attending Lucca Comics and Games?

The speaker criticizes the rising costs associated with attending the event, particularly the high prices for accommodations, food, and drinks. These increasing costs are making it less affordable, particularly for families and visitors with lower budgets.

Why does the speaker mention the issue of accommodation costs specifically?

Accommodation costs are highlighted as a major concern because they have become unsustainable, with the speaker citing examples of high prices for lodging in and around Lucca. This financial strain impacts both visitors and exhibitors, making it harder for many to attend.

How do these rising costs affect exhibitors at the event?

Exhibitors are also struggling with rising stand costs, which do not seem to correlate with increased sales or attendance. This creates a difficult financial situation for those involved in exhibiting at the event.

What changes in the variety of offerings at Lucca are mentioned?

The speaker notes a reduction in the diversity and novelty of the event's offerings. Some exhibitions felt underwhelming, and there was a sense of repetition. The speaker specifically mentions that some major exhibitions were poorly presented compared to others.

What is the speaker's view on the generational shift at Lucca Comics?

The speaker observes that the event has increasingly become focused on an older audience, primarily those in their 30s and 40s. While younger generations still attend, the event's offerings and atmosphere seem more tailored to an older demographic.

What paradox does the speaker identify regarding Lucca's target audience?

The speaker points out the paradox that while **Millennials and Gen Z** are the primary demographic with purchasing power, they are less able to afford the rising costs of attending Lucca. The event's focus on older generations may not be sustainable if those attendees cannot continue to afford the event.

What does the speaker suggest to ensure the future of Lucca Comics?

To ensure its future, the speaker suggests that **Lucca Comics** needs to lower costs to make it more accessible, particularly for families and younger generations. Additionally, they emphasize the need for greater variety and a more inclusive approach to reach different age groups.