Former Disco Elysium Devs Co-Found 2 New Studios

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Former Disco Elysium Devs Co-Found 2 New Studios

Key Takeaways

  • Two new studios have been established by former Disco Elysium developers.
  • Longdue Games is currently working on a spiritual successor to the popular RPG.
  • Dark Math Games is developing XXX Nightshift, a story-heavy detective role-playing game with gameplay similar to that of Disco Elysium.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the enigmatic world of Disco Elysium, it feels like a breath of fresh air to hear about these new studios led by former developers. The anticipation for more introspective adventures has been palpable among fans ever since the game’s release, and now, it seems our dreams might just come true.

On the same day, developers previously behind Disco Elysium have unveiled two new studios. Even five years after the game’s release, fans eagerly anticipate further thought-provoking journeys with characters Harry Du Bois and Kim Katsuragi. Although a direct sequel is not planned, there appears to be a project in development that could serve as a spiritual successor to Disco Elysium.

Back in 2019, I was completely hooked by this one-of-a-kind RPG titled Disco Elysium, created and distributed by ZA/UM. With its massive conversations and revolutionary skill check system, it resonated deeply with gamers, including myself, who were yearning for more. However, the news in late 2021 that three key members of the Disco Elysium development team departed from ZA/UM under less-than-ideal circumstances raised some concerns about the future of this unique game. Sadly, several projects related to the game have been scrapped as a result. But here’s something that might bring a smile to fans of this quirky masterpiece: there’s now renewed hope on the horizon!

On October 11th, a group of twelve ex-ZA/UM team members unveiled Longdue Games, a studio currently developing a sequel or similar title to the endlessly replayable game Disco Elysium. Notably, they’ve recruited experienced developers from Bungie, Rockstar Games, Brave at Night, and other studios. Shortly afterward, another 20 former team members revealed Dark Math Games, working on a detective RPG named XXX Nightshift. The game will be available for PC through Steam, but the release date has yet to be set.

Former Disco Elysium Developers Announce Two New Studios on the Same Day

Longdue Studios has successfully obtained seed funding for their upcoming project, an RPG that boasts rich narrative elements, which is music to the ears of Disco Elysium enthusiasts. The team at this fresh studio mentioned that their inspiration stems from classic role-playing games, and they’re excited about crafting another intricate psychological game with a storyline in the future. As for the title of their inaugural game, it remains unannounced; however, they assure us that it will introduce a revolutionary “psychogeographic RPG” system, where every choice made by the player will subtly alter both the characters within the game and the world they inhabit.

At the moment, Dark Math Games is working on a detective RPG titled “XXX Nightshift“. This game shares gameplay resemblance with “Disco Elysium“, featuring a narrative where players assume the role of a Patrol Officer enjoying a vacation at an Antarctic ski resort. However, circumstances quickly leave them stranded. As in “Disco Elysium“, each decision counts, and players can blend 20 different elements across four categories to mold their character’s personality and characteristics.

2024 saw me witnessing a significant change at ZA/UM as they reduced their workforce by a quarter and shelved a standalone expansion for Disco Elysium, a game I hold dear. While it seems less probable that a sequel or spin-off will materialize, the creation of two new studios offers an exciting prospect: they’re promising to deliver fresh gaming journeys in a vein reminiscent of one of the most remarkable isometric RPGs from recent years.

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2024-10-11 17:34