Christophe Galati, ISART alumnus
When video games make a difference!
Christophe Galati is a French game developer, game designer, and video game creator who graduated from ISART Digital in 2015 with a degree in Game Design & Programming. A recognized figure in the independent games scene, he first gained international acclaim with Save Me Mr Tako, before continuing his entrepreneurial journey by founding his own studio, Deneos Production.
His career demonstrates that video games can be both a powerful medium for artistic expression and an impactful tool for raising awareness of important social issues.
With Wednesdays, published by ARTE France and inspired by his own personal story, Christophe Galati uses video games to raise awareness of intrafamilial sexual abuse while encouraging survivors to speak out.
A jJourney driven by passion
Christophe Galati’s passion for video games began at an early age. At just 12 years old, he created his first games using RPG Maker and discovered the potential of video games to tell stories, evoke emotions, and inspire reflection.
After graduating from high school with a science-focused diploma, he joined ISART Digital in 2012 to pursue a professional career in the video game industry.
During his time at the school, he developed his skills in programming, project management, and teamwork, while continuing to work on his own personal game projects.
Save me Mr Tako: first international recognition
While studying at ISART Digital, Christophe Galati developed Save Me Mr Tako, an independent game inspired by Game Boy classics that won an award at the Tokyo Game Show in 2016.
Released in 2018, the game was met with critical acclaim from both players and the gaming press. This first major success established Christophe as a rising talent on the international indie game scene and demonstrated his ability to bring an ambitious project from concept to release.
From Japan to entrepreneurship
The quality of his work earned him a residency at the prestigious Villa Kujoyama in Japan, an artistic residency that supports French creators pursuing projects in the country.
In 2023, Christophe Galati founded his own studio, Deneos Production, where he continues his ambition to create original games that blend storytelling, creativity, and emotion.
Wednesdays: an award-winning game with social impact
Among the most significant projects Christophe Galati has contributed to is Wednesdays, developed by The Pixel Hunt and published by ARTE France.
Blending the narrative depth of a graphic novel with the interactivity of a video game, Wednesdays explores the issue of child sexual abuse with sensitivity and care. Through a respectful and well-researched approach, players gradually uncover the protagonist’s story and the lasting psychological impact of trauma.
For Christophe Galati, this project holds deep personal significance. Having experienced abuse during his own childhood, he helped shape Wednesdays into a powerful tool for raising awareness and encouraging survivors to speak out. Beyond extensive research, the game is rooted in his own lived experience, which profoundly influenced its development.
Discover Wednesdays on Arte.tv
The project brought together Pierre Corbinais as Creative Director, Florent Maurin as Producer, Exaheva as Illustrator, Diane Landais and Christophe Galati as Programmers, Virginia B. Fernson as Sound Designer, Nico Nowak as Pixel Artist, and Viviane Cooper for the mobile port.
This multidisciplinary team perfectly reflects the collaborative nature of the video game industry, where every role contributes to the success of the final project.
Wednesdays received widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards.
At the Pégases Awards, the game was nominated in four categories:
Best Narrative
Best Accessibility
Best Independent Game
Beyond Video Games
It won two Pégases Awards: Best Accessibility and Beyond Video Games.
The game also gained international recognition by winning the Audience Award at the Independent Games Festival in San Francisco, one of the most prestigious honors in the independent games industry.
Impact games: a new way of designing video games
Today, many studios are exploring the potential of video games as tools for raising awareness, education, and social impact. Impact games make it possible to address issues such as health, the environment, inclusion, and broader social challenges.
Video games are becoming a cultural medium capable of fostering empathy, sharing knowledge, and encouraging dialogue.
For future developers, game designers, and artists, these new approaches open up exciting opportunities where creativity and social impact go hand in hand.
ISART: educating tomorrow’s creators
At ISART Digital, students develop the technical skills essential to the video game industry, including programming, game design, production, project management, and teamwork.
Beyond technical expertise, the school encourages students to reflect on the cultural role of video games and their evolving place in society.
Student projects provide opportunities to explore a wide range of themes, experiment with new formats, and discover how interactivity can become a powerful tool for storytelling and knowledge sharing.
Christophe Galati’s journey perfectly embodies this philosophy: mastering technology to create meaningful experiences that leave a lasting impression on players.
Become a video game developer: be inspired by our alumni
For high school and university students dreaming of a career in the video game industry, Christophe Galati’s journey is a true source of inspiration.
His story shows how a passion discovered at a young age can grow into a profession and, ultimately, an internationally recognized career.
It also highlights the wide range of opportunities available in the industry, from game development and independent creation to entrepreneurship, impact games, interactive storytelling, and production.
Through the achievements of its alumni, ISART Digital showcases the diversity of career paths that reflect the richness and creativity of today’s video game industry.
Who is Christophe Galati ?
Christophe Galati is a French game developer and creator who graduated from ISART Digital in 2015. He is best known for creating Save Me Mr Tako and for his work on Wednesdays, published by ARTE France.
Why was "Wednesdays" recognized with awards?
Wednesdays was recognized for its sensitive and thoughtful approach to the issue of child sexual abuse, while delivering an accessible and innovative interactive experience.
What is an impact game?
An impact game is a video game designed to raise awareness, educate, or encourage reflection on social, educational, environmental, or cultural issues while still delivering an engaging and enjoyable player experience.