Disco Elysium studio lays off 32 over game performance

The world of RPG development is often a brutal landscape, and even celebrated studios are not immune to the harsh realities of commercial performance and internal restructuring. This is perhaps best illustrated by the recent news from ZA/UM, the team behind the critically acclaimed Disco Elysium.

ZA/UM recently announced significant layoffs, impacting up to 32 employees, following disappointing sales figures for their latest title, Zero Parades: For Dead Spies. While the financial strain necessitated the move, the reaction from the fanbase was less surprise and more familiar wry amusement, with some suggesting that the talented workers were simply facing the inevitable fallout of “evil inept ownership.”

The challenges facing ZA/UM are not unique to this instance; the studio has navigated a tumultuous history marked by internal drama. Since the launch of Disco Elysium in 2019, the company has been entangled in controversies concerning its artistic direction and management, including cancellations of sequels and various legal disputes that led to accusations of fraud from CEO Ilmar Kompus.

This past volatility ultimately contributed to a splintering of the creative ecosystem. Following the mass reductions in 2024, many of the former Disco Elysium developers chose to leave ZA/UM and form new studios, driven by a desire to pursue their vision free from past complications. These groups are now fiercely competing to create the next generation of spiritual successors—games that aim to capture the legacy of RPGs like Baldur’s Gate and Fallout.

The competition among these new entities is setting up an exciting, if complicated, rivalry in the pursuit of the perfect Disco successor. Despite the operational cuts, the quality of the product remains a talking point. Zero Parades itself managed to land a respectable 3.5 out of five stars and was noted by critics for retaining “some of the old charm,” demonstrating that artistic quality can still shine through commercial headwinds.

ZA/UM has publicly stated that while sales performance is crucial, their commitment to their artistic standards remains firm. The studio confirmed they are working with representatives from the ZA/UM Workers’ Alliance, emphasizing that these changes have twisted the shape of the company but not its core purpose. It is clear that the dedication of the original fanbase continues to demand loyalty, proving that while business pivots, the passion behind the creation endures.