ARTE, in collaboration with The Pixel Hunt and Pierre Corbinais, has announced their latest project, Wednesdays. This real-life game, blending storytelling and management, aims to raise awareness about sexual abuse within families. Set to release next spring on PC and Mac via Steam and itch.io, a demo will be available on February 14 during the Steam Next Fest press preview event.
Wednesdays is the third collaboration between The Pixel Hunt and Pierre Corbinais, known for their impactful narrative games like Bury Me, My Love and The Wreck. This new game invites players to explore the complex and sensitive subject of sexual abuse through the fragmented memories of a victim named Tim. Players will navigate between narrative phases and managing an amusement park, symbolizing the world of childhood.
The story follows Tim, who was sexually abused as a child. Rediscovering Orco Park, an amusement park management game from his childhood, Tim’s past resurfaces, bringing with it questions about his experiences and their impact on his life. Players will unlock Tim’s memories by building attractions and decorating the park, taking on the roles of various characters from his past to piece together his story.
Wednesdays is designed as an interactive visual novel, offering an easy-to-play experience. The game features two distinct art styles: the memory universe, inspired by independent comics and graphic novels, and the colorful pixel-art of 90s management games for the amusement park sequences. This combination creates a visually engaging and emotionally resonant experience.
The game contains no scenes of sexual assault, and content warnings are provided for each memory, allowing players to view summaries before exploring. Due to the sensitive subject matter, Wednesdays is recommended for players aged 18 and over.
Beyond its innovative gameplay and art direction, Wednesdays provides a platform for its developers, some of whom are survivors themselves, to share their stories. The thoughtful narrative aims to help players understand the silence of victims and recognize signs of abuse in those around them.
Wednesdays will be available in English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese. For more information, visit the game’s Steam and itch.io pages, and stay tuned for the official website coming soon.
