Visiting during the Paris Games Week 2024 show, the Franco-German channel ARTE was kind enough to answer some of our questions about its activities as a video game publisher and co-producer.
The ARTE channel regularly supports French creations, especially video game productions. Three independent studios supported by ARTE were present during Paris Games Week 2024 to present their new productions. The ideal opportunity to discover extraordinary games, but also to talk to ARTE France on the topic of French video game publishing and co-production.
We were able to speak at the official ARTE stand with Diana Stoïca, editorial project manager of ARTE France and responsible for the presentation of several games co-produced and published by the channel.
What is the role of ARTE in video games in France?
We at ARTE France have been co-producing and publishing video games from independent studios on a European scale for 11 years now.
For us, as members of public service, it is important to support creation in all its forms. We have opened up to video games and immersive experiences globally, on a national and European scale, because they are part of the culture today. It is not an obligation for us to carry out video game projects in France, but this is part of our missions dedicated to culture.
“For us it is important to support creation in all its forms”
What are ARTE France’s actions at the Paris Games Week show?
We are present as a publisher to represent the projects we are currently working on. We present three games “30 Birds”, “In Search of Fael” et “Gloomy Eyes”. It is not always possible for studios, especially independent ones, to travel to trade fairs and events. Some were able to come to the beginning of the show, but it’s part of our mission to be present at these types of very public events. This allows us to provide great exposure to the games we’re working on and reveal some
By involving visitors, we already allow them to discover the games presented through demos and ensure that more and more people are interested in these projects.
![“Producing European video games is also our mission at ARTE” [INTERVIEW]](https://img-4.linternaute.com/5A5nBwIzmR-7HLjdPsyLkQ4Iru4=/1080x/smart/92c4f441189d4665b391e178cd934fdd/ccmcms-linternaute/67388080.png "“Producing European video games is also our mission at ARTE” [INTERVIEW]")
30 Birds is a game presented and co-produced by ARTE France. ©ART
It is often said that ARTE is the channel that offers original programs, is this something we find in the production of video games?
YES ! For us it is very important to make this activity of the channel and video games known as a cultural object in its own right. This also allows us to highlight projects that might not be as visible without our support. We use ARTE’s stature and notoriety to promote many original projects that deserve attention and play. Memorable projects that we prefer to call “arthouse games” and that need visibility as much as great AAA games.
The games co-produced and published by ARTE seem far from large productions like “call of Duty“O”Assassin’s Creed“Is this something you care about?
We really care a lot. In most cases these are small studios and teams that we want to support in their projects. We generally support games that have a certain artistic touch, both in design and gameplay. These games convey original ideas.
For us it is essential to have memorable and different matches. Our catalog of indie games grows every year, but there’s no real secret to standing out. It is important for us that our projects have a heart. Not necessarily that they carry a message or are busy, but rather that they reflect our personality.
“We use the stature and notoriety of Arte to promote many original projects”
For our readers who have never played a game produced by ARTE, which one would you recommend?
One of the most successful is “Vectronom” (published in 2019). It works really well because it’s accessible and really addictive. It’s a rhythm game where platforms appear and disappear depending on the music being played. It is therefore very easy to learn and the music is also very pleasant and original.
I can also only recommend the next game we are working on. Is called “30 BIRDS” and it is an adventure game that takes place on lanterns that rotate on themselves, creating a mix between 2D and 3D. This game has a sublime art direction inspired by Persian miniatures. A really fun game, but also very addictive.
How does the channel select the games it will support?
We organize many events such as Paris Games Week. At trade fairs or the general public, we often receive project requests directly at these fairs. We then meet as a team to study the projects and work on those we have selected.
Then we make decisions internally and above all as a team. In ARTE France there is not just one person who makes decisions, but it is a group of professionals who will work together on the presented project.
So if tomorrow I have a video game to propose to ARTE, how exactly can I do it?
You can submit projects to us at fairs with presentations and books in a completely traditional way, and then go through our online platform on the site <a href="
We prefer to receive emerging projects and therefore evaluate prototypes and game ideas rather than almost finished productions.
Blished in 2018), which combines rhythm and puzzle mechanics in a vibrant, visually striking environment. Players navigate a world that shifts and evolves with the music, making for an engaging experience that appeals to both casual and more dedicated gamers.
Another noteworthy title is “Gloomy Eyes“, an innovative narrative-driven adventure that features artistic animation and a unique story about love and the supernatural. This game exemplifies our commitment to creating compelling narratives and artistic vision that resonate emotionally with players.
We also recommend “30 Birds“, which was on display at the Paris Games Week. It offers a captivating experience centered around exploration and discovery, showcasing the creative potential within the indie game scene that ARTE is dedicated to highlighting.
we encourage players to explore the diverse range of games we support, each showcasing independent creativity and artistic flair while contributing to the ongoing evolution of video gaming as a legitimate cultural form.