The European Space Agency (ESA) has partnered with French game studio DON’T NOD Entertainment to develop Aphelion, a science-fiction adventure game launched on April 28 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Players assume the roles of ESA astronauts Ariane Montclair and Thomas Cross, embarking on the Hope-01 mission to explore the fictional ninth planet, Persephone, located at the outer edge of the solar system. The game integrates cinematic narration with survival and exploration elements, emphasizing realistic scientific methods. ESA's involvement ensured that the game accurately reflects physical laws, spacecraft systems, and other technical aspects of space exploration. This initiative is part of ESA's broader ambition to utilize creative industries to communicate science engagingly. Aphelion is also linked to ESA’s Strategy 2040, which promotes scientific exploration and sustainability. The collaboration aims to attract younger audiences and support future recruitment, with ESA planning to open over 400 job positions in 2026.