ZA/UM’s Upcoming RPG Echoes Disco Elysium as 'We Remain the Same Team'

A glance at Zero Parades: For Dead Spies, the new RPG from ZA/UM, reveals clear parallels with the studio's acclaimed title, Disco Elysium. The game adopts an isometric perspective combined with a captivating art style, focusing on dialogue-rich gameplay where conversations appear vertically on the right side of the screen. Delving deeper uncovers even more resemblances. The game features a "Conditioning" system that mirrors Disco Elysium’s distinctive Thought Cabinet. The narrative aims to be politically charged and reflective. Additionally, there is a skills system that presents a conscious internal dialogue, providing commentary on player decisions and the surrounding environment. For some fans of Disco Elysium, this resemblance might raise concerns. In 2022, key figures such as game director Robert Kurvitz and art director Aleksander Rostov departed the studio under controversial circumstances. ZA/UM claimed they were dismissed due to misconduct, while Kurvitz and Rostov accused the majority shareholders of fraudulent actions. Many enthusiasts view these former employees as victims of corporate machinations, leading to apprehensions regarding the creation of a sequel-like game without their input. In a recent interview, Jim Ashilevi, the writer and voice-over director at ZA/UM, addressed the hesitations around not pursuing a different creative path for Zero Parades. "It would have made sense to shift directions if the team was entirely comprised of new talent," Ashilevi stated. "However, since a significant portion of the key individuals who shaped Disco Elysium are involved in Zero Parades, disregarding our past experiences didn't feel right." Allen Murray, the head of the studio, estimates that approximately 35% of the current workforce has contributed to either the original Disco Elysium or its expanded version, the "Final Cut." The studio employs around 90 individuals in total. "We remain the same team," Ashilevi elaborated. "Our interests in video games, as well as in other forms of media like film, literature, and theater, persist. While we hope to have evolved, our core identity remains intact. "We're essentially trusting our instincts while indulging our passions," he added. "Much of that was evident in Disco Elysium and will carry over into Zero Parades, primarily because the same team is behind crafting that intriguing world." In a prior discussion held just before Gamescom 2025, Ashilevi and lead technical artist Nicolas Pirot were asked about the concerns of fans regarding the new ZA/UM RPG following the exit of Kurvitz, Rostov, and others. "I understand the reservations some might have," Pirot acknowledged. "It's not my place to dictate their thoughts or experiences. What we aim to do is craft an extraordinary narrative. We can only hope that when Zero Parades is complete, it resonates with players and allows them to see our true identity as a collective." "Our mission is to create more stories," Ashilevi concluded. "If that causes discomfort or caution, that's valid. A new game is on the horizon, and I genuinely hope you give it a chance. If it's not to your liking, that's perfectly okay." ZA/UM plans to release Zero Parades this year, presenting an espionage-themed RPG centered on power dynamics and failure, with aspirations of distinguishing it from Disco Elysium without completely overhauling their approach.