ARTE and Darjeeling Productions announce “The Merlies” video game

ARTE and the French indie studio Darjeeling Productions have announced the release of “The Merlies,” a video game scheduled for launch on September 29, 2026. The title will be available on PC via Steam and on the Nintendo Switch.

Set in a “solarpunk” world built from the remnants of human civilization, the game focuses on exploration, observation, and care rather than combat or time pressure. Players guide a group of small creatures known as Merlies through environments such as gardens, workshops, and bedrooms. The gameplay involves collecting scrap to build and customize a village, utilizing the unique abilities of the Merlies to navigate the world.

This release is part of ARTE’s ongoing strategy to promote video games as a distinct form of cultural and interactive storytelling. The broadcaster has previously been involved in titles such as “Homo Machina,” “Vectronom,” and “Bury Me, My Love.”