Disco Elysium, a narrative role-playing game developed by ZA/UM, celebrated its five-year anniversary with a surprising announcement. Two new studios, Dark Math Games and Longdue Games, have emerged from the aftermath of ZA/UM’s turmoil to create their own spiritual successors to Disco Elysium.
Dark Math Games, founded by former ZA/UM team members, is working on a game called XXX NIGHTSHIFT. Set in 2086 at a luxury ski resort in Antarctica, XXX NIGHTSHIFT promises a deep single-player role-playing experience with unique companion dynamics and seismic choices that shape the narrative. The game’s announcement trailer and screenshots reveal a striking resemblance to Disco Elysium in terms of visuals and gameplay mechanics.
On the other hand, Longdue Games, backed by tech investor Riaz Moola, is developing a new psychological RPG set in a world envisioned by the leads of the canceled Disco Elysium sequel. This untitled game aims to explore the interplay between the conscious and subconscious, where every decision reshapes both the world and the characters within it. Longdue’s focus on narrative-first experiences in the isometric cRPG genre signals a commitment to continuing Disco Elysium’s legacy.
Despite the absence of key ZA/UM members like lead writer and designer Robert Kurvitz and art director Aleksander Rostov, who were fired amidst allegations of mismanagement and misconduct, the spirit of Disco Elysium lives on through these new projects. While an official sequel to Disco Elysium seems unlikely following ZA/UM’s setbacks, the dedication of Dark Math Games and Longdue Games to crafting narrative-driven RPG experiences suggests a bright future for fans of the genre.
With Dark Math Games and Longdue Games each bringing their unique vision to the table, players can look forward to exploring new worlds, making impactful choices, and immersing themselves in rich storytelling reminiscent of the acclaimed Disco Elysium. As the legacy of Disco Elysium continues to inspire developers and players alike, the future of narrative-driven RPGs appears promising, with fresh perspectives and innovative gameplay mechanics on the horizon.