**Ex-*Disco Elysium* Developers Establish New Studios, Instilling Hope for Spiritual Successors**

In an unexpected development, two fresh studios have risen from the remnants of the *Disco Elysium* development team, increasing the total number of such studios to four. These new enterprises, created by ex-ZA/UM developers, are each pursuing their individual projects, with some aspiring to craft spiritual successors to the critically acclaimed *Disco Elysium*. The news comes during a period of ongoing unrest at ZA/UM, the studio behind the original game, which has encountered significant internal difficulties, including layoffs and the halting of planned projects.

### **Longdue Studios: A Fresh Adventure Commences**

The first of the newly revealed studios is Longdue, an independent RPG studio that has already begun to make an impact. As per their official website, Longdue is “setting out on an audacious new adventure,” composed of a team of twelve staff members, many of whom played pivotal roles in the development of *Disco Elysium*. While specifics regarding their forthcoming project are limited, the studio has released some initial concept art, indicating that their work is still in the nascent phase.

The establishment of Longdue represents the third such announcement from former ZA/UM team members, and while their project is still some distance away, the team’s credentials have already sparked enthusiasm among fans of narrative-focused RPGs. The concept art suggests a continuation of the distinctive, atmospheric aesthetics that established *Disco Elysium* as a remarkable entry in the genre.

### **Dark Math Games: Introducing *XXX Nightshift***

On the same day, another studio, Dark Math Games, also revealed its inception. This brings the overall count of studios formed by former *Disco Elysium* developers to four. Dark Math Games is currently in the process of creating a new title named *XXX Nightshift*, a detective RPG that closely mirrors *Disco Elysium* in both style and substance. The game’s trailer, available online, displays a work-in-progress title that seems to perpetuate the gritty, philosophical undertones that fans of *Disco Elysium* have grown to appreciate.

*XXX Nightshift* is set in a similarly bleak and contemplative realm, where players step into the shoes of a detective maneuvering through a morally intricate landscape. Although it’s still early in the development process, the trailer has already attracted attention for its striking visual style and thematic richness, hallmarks of the *Disco Elysium* experience.

### **The Aftermath at ZA/UM**

The emergence of these new studios follows significant turmoil at ZA/UM. The studio, credited with bringing *Disco Elysium* to fruition, has navigated a series of hurdles throughout the past year. In early 2024, ZA/UM laid off a quarter of its workforce, and in February, it was revealed that the studio had canceled both a planned DLC for *Disco Elysium* and a potential sequel. This information dealt a heavy blow to fans who had been keenly anticipating additional content from the world of Revachol.

The internal discord at ZA/UM has been extensively reported, with former developers voicing concerns about the toxic work atmosphere that beset the studio in its latter days. Writer Argo Tuulik, one of those affected by the layoffs, metaphorically illustrated the situation, stating, “The fish starts rotting from the head,” alluding to the leadership problems that many speculate contributed to the studio’s downfall.

Another ex-developer, principal writer Dora Klindžić, also shared insights about the challenges encountered by the team during the development of a prospective *Disco Elysium* sequel, codenamed X7. Klindžić mentioned “crunch, burnout, and conflict” as major factors in the concluding months of the project, which ultimately resulted in its cancellation.

### **A New Light for Detective RPGs**

In spite of the upheaval at ZA/UM, the arrival of these new studios presents a flicker of hope for *Disco Elysium* enthusiasts. With four studios now set to develop spiritual successors to the cherished detective RPG, there is an atmosphere of anticipation regarding what lies ahead. Each of these teams comprises former ZA/UM developers who played crucial roles in shaping *Disco Elysium*, and their new endeavors are likely to continue the innovative narrative and profound philosophical themes that rendered the original game such a critical triumph.

While it is yet to be seen how these new projects will unfold, the announcements from Longdue and Dark Math Games imply that the legacy of *Disco Elysium* is far from finished. Fans of narrative-rich RPGs can expect a new wave of detective games that delve into intricate moral dilemmas, expansive world-building, and reflective storytelling.

### **Conclusion**

The establishment of Longdue and Dark Math Games, along with the two previously revealed studios,