The NOVA and TINYKINESIS games, created as part of the end-of-study projects, are now continuing their adventure in front of a jury made up of recognised professionals from the video game industry. It’s a great way to showcase the hard work and commitment of the student teams.
A national selection for promising projects
The PIXI CONTEST showcases high-potential independent and student creations. The competition showcases games that stand out as much for their artistic universe as for their gameplay mechanics and production quality.
Being included in the final selection is an important step for young designers. With NOVA and TINYKINESIS selected as one of the 10 finalists, ESMA students are seeing their work recognised by key players in the video game industry, in a context where creativity and the ability to offer original experiences are particularly valued.
This double selection also testifies to the know-how acquired by the students throughout their course, from the design to the complete production of a video game.
NOVA, a dreamlike journey through a world in ruins
Genre: Adventure, Platformer, Poetic
In NOVA, players take on the role of a young heroine tasked with saving the moon after it falls to Earth. Using her lunar powers, Nova travels through an ancient city of ruined astronomers to unlock its secrets and restore balance to the world.
The game stands out for its contemplative atmosphere, meticulous art direction and aerial movement mechanics that enhance immersion and the feeling of freedom.
Production team
- Blaya Thomas
- Chmielewski Léa
- Dionet Anthony
- Drugs Alan
- Garcia Solène
- Evelina Glineviciute
- Gongora Ethan
- Herreman Valentin
- Hirsch Sacha
- Picot Samuel
- Serroen Livy
Feedback from the PIXI CONTEST team
The judging team particularly highlighted the visual quality of NOVA, considered to be one of the most striking universes of this year’s competition. The evaluators praised the atmosphere of the game, the richness of the imagined world and the sense of freedom provided by the flight mechanics. The gameplay and the gradual introduction of the controls were also appreciated. Among the avenues for improvement mentioned was the development of new mechanics as the adventure progresses, to keep the pace and experience of the game fresh over time.
TINYKINESIS, a dynamic adventure in the heart of a fairytale park
Genre: Solo, Action-Adventure / Beat’em all
The Fairy World theme park has been invaded by mysterious creatures. The player takes on the role of an intrepid fairy capable of using “Tinykinesis”, a power that allows objects to be manipulated from a distance, transforming them into weapons and repelling the enemies that threaten the park.
With its energetic gameplay and dynamic combat, TINYKINESIS offers a fast-paced experience with a strong visual identity.
Production team
- Beuselinck Clément
- Chatila Yann
- Coulon Guénolé
- Dumaine Lisa
- Gauthier Léo
- Oury Elisa
- Reynaud Juliette
- Riallot Alexandre
- Sutachun Marisa
- Verrechia Camille
Feedback from the PIXI CONTEST team
The reviewers emphasised the overall quality of TINYKINESIS, highlighting its meticulous visuals and the gameplay pleasure offered by its fluid, dynamic mechanics. The system for manipulating elements, visible directly through the hands of the character in play, particularly caught their attention. The evaluation team also identified a number of areas for improvement, notably the visual legibility of enemies in the environments and the development of deeper lore to further enrich the game’s universe.
A final assessment by industry experts
The two projects will shortly be examined by a panel of video game professionals:
- Marc Albinet, creative director who worked on Assassin’s Creed Unity and Dying Light 2;
- Stéphane Jankowski, executive producer known for his work on The Crew 2 and Anno 117;
- Benjamin Schirtz, narrative director involved in the development of Ghost Recon Wildlands;
- as well as a number of local professionals and specialists from the video game industry.
The final results and project rankings will be announced at the end of June.
The competition podium will be announced publicly at the Japan Tours Festival, in the presence of the winning teams where possible.
Congratulations to the finalists
ESMA would like to congratulate the students involved in creating NOVA and TINYKINESIS on their selection for the PIXI CONTEST 2025-2026.
This place among the finalists rewards the investment, creativity and teamwork that went into these two ambitious projects throughout the year.
We wish them all the best for this final stage of the competition.