PIXI CONTEST 2025-2026: two ESMA graduation video games among the 10 finalists

The PIXI CONTEST, a springboard for emerging video game talent

The PIXI CONTEST puts the spotlight on promising independent and student projects, selected by industry professionals. The competition focuses on the creativity, artistic direction, gameplay and overall quality of the projects submitted.

Being selected as one of the 10 finalists is an important recognition for NOVA and TINYKINESIS. This selection testifies to the students’ ability to design successful videogame experiences capable of attracting the attention of industry professionals.

For ESMA, this double presence in the finals also illustrates the richness of the worlds developed by the students, as well as their mastery of the different stages in the production of a video game.

NOVA: a poetic adventure under the glow of the moon

Genre: Adventure, Platformer, Poetic

After the moon falls, play as Nova and use lunar powers to traverse the ruined city of astronomers, discover their secrets and save the moon by sending it back into space.

Production team

• Blaya Thomas
• Chmielewski Léa
• Dionet Anthony
• Drogue Alan
• Garcia Solène
• Evelina Glineviciute
• Gongora Ethan
• Herreman Valentin
• Hirsch Sacha
• Picot Samuel
• Serroen Livy

Feedback from the PIXI CONTEST evaluation team:

“Visually, NOVA is one of the most beautiful games in this edition: the world is captivating, the atmosphere successful, and the ability to fly brings a much-appreciated freedom. The gameplay is interesting, and the keys are introduced progressively. To get to the next level, work on the pace over time by adding new mechanics that renew the experience as you progress.”

TINYKINESIS: a dynamic beat’em all set in a fairytale park

Genre: Solo, Action-Adventure / Beat’em all

The Fairy World theme park has been invaded by mysterious creatures. You play the most daring fairy in the kingdom, determined to clean up the entire park. Fortunately, you have mastered Tinykinesis, a power that allows you to manipulate elements from a distance and turn them into weapons.

With its fast-paced gameplay, dynamic mechanics and strong visual identity, TINYKINESIS offers an energetic, immersive experience.

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 evaluation team:

“The mechanics are fluid and addictive, and the in-game handheld viewpoint works particularly well. To further enhance the experience, work on the visual legibility to better distinguish the enemies from the scenery, and deepen the lore to give more substance to the universe you’ve created.”

A decisive next step in front of a professional jury

The next phase of the competition will see the projects assessed by a panel of video game industry professionals:

• Marc Albinet, Creative Director (Assassin’s Creed Unity, Dying Light 2)
• Stéphane Jankowski, Executive Producer(The Crew 2, Anno 117)
• Benjamin Schirtz, Narrative Director (Ghost Recon Wildlands)
• as well as a number of professionals from the region and the industry.

At the end of June, the teams will receive feedback from the jury and the final competition rankings.

The winners will be announced publicly at the Japan Tours Festival, in the presence, if possible, of the winning teams.

Congratulations to the selected teams

The whole of ESMA warmly congratulates the students who took part in making NOVA and TINYKINESIS on their selection as finalists in the PIXI CONTEST 2025-2026.

This recognition is the culmination of several months of work, creation and collaboration on ambitious and unique projects.

We wish them the best of luck for the rest of the competition and for this final stage before the professional jury.