Come cambiano le aste d’arte se online tutto sembra un video game?
The article examines how digital infrastructure has transformed art auctions from exclusive in-person rituals into real-time competitive interfaces. Online sales, which peaked during the pandemic, now account for about 16% of the global art market in 2025 (down from 18% in 2024), according to the Art Market Report by Art Basel and UBS. Digital tools enable instant bidding, global streaming, and discreet participation, allowing collectors to compete without physical presence. The piece highlights the gamification of auctions, noting that ArtTactic has launched Art Forecaster, a platform where users predict auction prices in tournament-style competitions, blending market engagement with ludic elements.
This shift matters because it fundamentally alters how art value is constructed and perceived in the market. The digital layer introduces competitive gaming mechanics—limited time, visible rivalry, price escalation—that intensify the auction experience and lower the age barrier for new collectors. However, the article warns against reducing online auctions to mere e-commerce, as each public sale generates crucial price data in an otherwise opaque market. The transformation reflects broader changes in art-world psychology, where discretion, reputation, and competitive thrill are reshaped by technology, potentially democratizing access while complicating traditional notions of value and exclusivity.