Wednesdays
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| Free of charge - every 45 minutes between 10:30 and 18:30 |
| There will be two stations where you can play the game while seated. |
| Seminar room 2a/b, ground floor |
| 16 years and older |
| English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish |
| Belongs to: Hide or Tell?, Family Matters |
Wednesdays is a narrative video game in the form of an interactive comic book that addresses an often taboo subject: sexual violence within the family. Developed by ARTE France, The Pixel Hunt, and author Pierre Corbinais, it tells the story of Timothée, who was abused as a child. Two decades later, repressed memories return when he plays Orco Park, a computer game from his childhood, again. Each attraction in the park represents a memory—and questions that still haunt him today: Who knew about it? How did it shape his life?
The game combines building and exploration elements with a sensitive, fragmented narrative. In 17 memory sequences, the player takes on the role of around 15 people from Tim’s environment to understand the mechanisms of trauma and memory. Each attraction in the park represents a memory that gradually unfolds. Multiple-choice dialogues allow for individual decisions. Despite the difficult subject matter, “Wednesdays” remains gentle and hopeful, without voyeuristic or explicit scenes. Each memory is accompanied by content warnings.
In terms of design, Wednesdays relies on two contrasting styles: the colorful pixel art of the 90s for Orco Park and the look inspired by independent comics for the memories. The game is easily accessible and offers accessibility options. More than just a game, Wednesdays is an artistic statement that breaks the silence and gives a voice to those affected and the developers. It is a sensitive, important, and surprisingly optimistic experience.
Pierre Corbinais, the game’s creator, explains: “It’s important to me to create a work, but with the desire to raise awareness among players. Incest is one of the few topics where simply talking about it is already a step forward. I’ve seen it in my own circle: the effect is immediately noticeable.”
Trigger warning: This game aims to raise awareness of sexual violence against minors—packaged as a surprisingly sensitive story.
Participants
Co-production: ARTE France, The Pixel Hunt, Pierre Corbinais
Creative direction: Pierre Corbinais
Production: Florent Maurin
Illustration & drawing: Exaheva
Programming: Christophe Galati, Diane Landais
Sound design: Virginia B Fernson
Pixel art: Nico Nowak