Disco Elysium Dev announces layoffs affecting 32 staff

Even in the world of critically acclaimed gaming, sometimes the most complex stories are played out behind closed doors. The studio ZA/UM, known for crafting deep and unforgettable worlds, is currently navigating a period of change following recent staff reductions.

Just two months after the launch of their latest title, Zero Parades: For Dead Spies, the UK-based developer announced layoffs affecting up to 32 colleagues across all departments. While this move reflects a shift in commercial viability, the studio has made it clear that its artistic mandate remains firmly intact.

“We have served redundancy or at-risk notices impacting up to 32 of our colleagues across all departments at ZA/UM Studio,” the statement confirmed. The message acknowledged that while commercial performance hadn’t sustained a studio of their current size, the contributions of the departing team members—those who left their mark on Zero Parades: For Dead Spies and the studio as a whole—were significant.

The situation at ZA/UM is not new, and this latest adjustment is part of a longer narrative defined by internal friction. Trouble began surfacing in late 2022 when key creative figures, including writer and designer Robert Kurvitz, writer Helen Hindpere, and art and design lead Aleksander Rostov, were said to have departed involuntarily.

This period was fraught with legal drama. Weeks after their departure, Kurvitz launched a lawsuit against his former company, and allegations surfaced claiming that the studio’s leadership had obtained control of ZA/UM through fraudulent means. While ZA/UM denied these claims, they simultaneously leveled their own accusations, ensuring the story remained highly contentious.

Despite the turbulence, the creative DNA of ZA/UM continued to spawn new avenues. In late 2024, a series of spinoff studios emerged from the talent pool, launching projects like XXX Nightshift and Hopetown, alongside the announced work on a spiritual successor to Disco Elysium 2 through Dark Math Games and Longdue Games.

Adding to the complex history, prior to this recent restructuring, the studio had already dealt with other setbacks; in 2024 alone, around 24 employees were impacted by layoffs, and a planned standalone expansion for Disco Elysium was ultimately canceled.

Yet, the core philosophy remains strong. ZA/UM has publicly stated that their artistic standards are unchanged and they will persist, committing to continue consulting with members of its Workers’ Alliance union throughout the difficult process. The studio is determined not just to survive commercially, but to maintain its unique vision.