ZA/UM
ZA/UM business and news from across the web.
Are these the 100 most influential games of all time?Kitfox Games CEO Tanya Short discusses a list of the 100 most influential video games of all time, compiled by professional game designers. The list, assembled through the Polaris game design retreat, aims to serve as a tool for designers to improve their craft and create influential games.
GTA 6 studio Rockstar "will arrange to meet" union reps following devs' request for recognition, assuring it gives teams "world-class work environments" amid demands for "fairer crunch practices"Rockstar Games has stated it will meet with union representatives following a request for official recognition from its UK developers. The developers are seeking pay transparency, fairer crunch practices, and better flexible working arrangements. This comes after accusations of union-busting in 2025 and an ongoing dispute with the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain.
Rockstar Games Employees Request Voluntary Recognition of UnionEmployees at Rockstar Games have requested voluntary recognition of the IWGB union, following the formation of the Rockstar Game Workers Union. If recognized, Rockstar Games would be the second UK studio to unionize, potentially leading to improved worker protections and rights through collective bargaining. The company stated it will engage in open dialogue regarding the union's recognition.
GTA 6 developers at Rockstar Games pushing to pursue official union recognition following 2025 sackings: "The union is now stronger than ever"Employees at Rockstar Games are actively working with the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain to secure union recognition before the November release of Grand Theft Auto 6. This follows previous efforts to establish the Rockstar Game Workers Union and a ruling against the company's request to remove blacklisting claims from a legal process. The union hopes for voluntary recognition but is prepared to consider a strike if necessary.
A Disco Elysium writer once told Josh Sawyer that 'we can do better than this now,' and Sawyer agreesRPG veteran Josh Sawyer discusses how game developers inspire each other and evolve design concepts over time. He acknowledges that previous ideas can be improved upon, citing narrative choice in RPGs as an example. Sawyer believes this continuous cycle of inspiration and refinement is essential for the industry's progress.
ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies ReviewZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies is a narrative-driven RPG that, despite real-world controversies surrounding its predecessor Disco Elysium and its creators, stands as a compelling espionage adventure. The game features a gripping story, intricate dialogue systems that manifest as inner voices, and a complex protagonist, though its initial act can feel slow and directionless.
Zero Parades: For Dead Spies Review | Giant BombZero Parades: For Dead Spies is a narrative CRPG from ZA/UM that builds upon the legacy of Disco Elysium while forging its own identity. The game focuses on espionage, regret, and forgiveness, allowing players to shape protagonist Hershel Wilk's redemption arc through meaningful choices. Despite some minor flaws in its clothing management system, the game is praised for its compelling characters, dense narrative, and unique world-building.- Zero Parades: For Dead Spies ReviewZero Parades: For Dead Spies is a narrative CRPG from ZA/UM that builds upon the legacy of Disco Elysium while forging its own identity. The game features a complex espionage plot with player choices influencing the protagonist's redemption arc. Despite some clunky inventory management and narrative inconsistencies, it offers a unique and engaging experience with well-written characters and a dense, original world.
Zero Parades being an easier RPG than Disco Elysium makes perfect sense – and makes it more funZero Parades offers a more accessible and enjoyable RPG experience compared to Disco Elysium by implementing more frequent autosaves and less punishing consequence systems. While Disco Elysium's philosophical depth and infrequent saves led to frustration for some players, Zero Parades' flexible character progression and do-overs make it a more forgiving and fun experience, tailored to its protagonist.- Yoshi, Batman och Zero Parades låsta – tätt i FZHS-toppen!The tenth season of FZ High Score is nearing its end, with scores for Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, and Zero Parades: For Dead Spies now locked. The article also provides an update on the current top 10 rankings and encourages users to participate in the upcoming season.
- FZ Play – Dansar Zero Parades disko?The article previews Zero Parades, a new RPG from the developers of Disco Elysium, which is set to stream tonight at 7 PM. The stream will feature @Wakkaah testing the game, which shares a similar genre and style with Disco Elysium, despite the studio facing internal challenges.
Dang, I can't hang with the Wang in Zero Parades, so ZA/UM's thought violation gun won't stop going bangThe article discusses the 'Wang Way' mechanic in Disco Elysium, a philosophy focused on self-reliance and remorseless action. The author explores how adhering to this philosophy impacts gameplay, dialogue, and skill progression, contrasting it with the player's natural inclination towards empathy and regret.
Hopetown Gameplay Teaser Reveals Investigation and Publishing SystemsLongdue has released a new gameplay teaser for their narrative RPG Hopetown, showcasing its journalist-driven systems including investigation, interviews, photography, and publishing. The studio also announced that Olga Moskvina, a key writer from Disco Elysium, has joined the Hopetown team, which already includes several other Disco Elysium alumni. The game features a journalist protagonist investigating secrets in a mining town, with player choices impacting the world through published stories.
ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies Interview – Disco Elysium Roots, Spy Story RPG, New Gameplay Systems, And MoreZA/UM's Siim Sinamäe and Justin Keenan discuss ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies, an RPG inspired by Disco Elysium but with a new spycraft theme. They detail new gameplay systems like 'Pressures' and 'Exertion,' emphasizing player agency and the consequences of both success and failure in its espionage narrative.- ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies ReleasedThe espionage RPG ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies, developed by ZA/UM, is now available on Windows PC via the Epic Games Store, GOG.com, and Steam. The game is from the same studio that created Disco Elysium.
Hopetown Drops Gameplay Teaser And Reveals Additional Disco Elysium AlumniLongdue has released a new gameplay teaser for their upcoming RPG Hopetown, which features investigation and publishing mechanics. The studio also announced that Olga Moskvina, a writer and editor from Disco Elysium, has joined the development team, alongside other former ZA/UM members. A limited 'Newsflash' edition of the game is available for pre-order on Kickstarter until May 29th.
Review: Zero Parades Understands the AssignmentZero Parades is a highly impressive RPG that builds upon the legacy of Disco Elysium while forging its own path. The game follows spy Hershel Will as she navigates a world of political intrigue and personal sacrifice, featuring a web-like narrative structure and engaging mechanics like Conditioning. While it shares some DNA with its predecessor, Zero Parades succeeds with its writing and unique approach to political themes, and is available on PC with a PlayStation 5 release planned for 2026.
Squabble over Disco Elysium's legacy continues as Hopetown studio recruit another ex-ZA/UM dev while dropping a new trailer on Zero Parades' release dayThe ongoing dispute surrounding Disco Elysium's legacy continues as the studio Longdue, developing the journalistic RPG Hopetown, has recruited former ZA/UM writer Olga Moskvina. This announcement coincides with the release of ZA/UM's new game, Zero Parades, and a new trailer for Hopetown. Longdue aims to distinguish Hopetown from its inspirations through its in-depth note-taking and article-drafting mechanics.- ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies Review – Familiar But NewZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies is an RPG that draws heavy comparisons to Disco Elysium, featuring a similar art style and a unique stat system where skills act as conversational companions. The game focuses on spy Hershel Wilk, exploring introspective themes within a spy fiction narrative. Despite its similarities to Disco Elysium, the game offers its own distinct story and setting, making it a recommended narrative-focused adventure.
- Recension – Zero Parades: For Dead SpiesZero Parades: For Dead Spies, a spiritual successor to Disco Elysium from ZA/UM, offers a compelling narrative experience despite not reaching the heights of its predecessor. The game features a spy story set in a fictional 90s-inspired world divided by political ideologies, focusing on social interactions and dialogue choices rather than combat. While the writing can be esoteric and the skill system feels less defined than in Disco Elysium, the game is ultimately a solid and rewarding experience, particularly when it carves its own path.