ZA/UM
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Latest coverage
Disco Elysium Studio's Zero Parades: For Dead Spies Launches This May
ZA/UM has announced that Zero Parades: For Dead Spies, a spiritual successor to Disco Elysium, will launch on May 21 as a PC exclusive. The game will feature full English voice acting and text localization for five languages at launch, with more languages to follow. A PlayStation 5 version is planned for later in 2026, and the game will also be Steam Deck Verified.
Zero Parades: For Dead Spies Launches on May 21st for PC as New Trailer Teases Intrigue
ZA/UM announced that Zero Parades: For Dead Spies, the successor to Disco Elysium, will launch on May 21st for PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. The dialogue-heavy RPG features a former operant named Hershel Wilk and introduces new mechanics like Exertion, alongside challenges such as Anxiety and Fatigue. A free PC demo is available now, and the game is also planned for a PlayStation 5 release at a later date.
Zero Parades devs knew they didn't want to make another cop game after Disco Elysium: 'How people think of the police these days, it's a bit different'
ZA/UM developers decided against making Zero Parades a police-themed game, similar to Disco Elysium, due to changing public perceptions of law enforcement. Instead, the team opted for a spy thriller genre, which they found to be more creatively fruitful. Principal writer Siim Sinamäe noted a shift in societal views on police since Disco Elysium's 2019 release.
Even after ZA/UM's messy breakup, the writing team still has a cadre of sad communists—but you won't have to play Zero Parades as one if you don't want to
Despite the departure of key writers from ZA/UM, the studio's upcoming game Zero Parades will still feature communist themes, though players will not be forced to embody a communist protagonist. Writers confirmed that while the player character is a spy for a communist Superbloc, ideological motivations can vary, similar to Disco Elysium's approach.
One of the best games in years, and also one of the most controversial comes to Game Pass today – bye bye weekend
Disco Elysium has been added to Game Pass, offering players a 50-hour RPG experience with enhanced features in its Final Cut version. The article also details the significant behind-the-scenes controversy surrounding developer ZA/UM, including allegations of corporate mismanagement and disputes over intellectual property involving key creative figures.
From ‘Squalid Flat’ to Gaming Legend: Disco Elysium’s Heartwarming Success Story
The success story of Disco Elysium, developed in a humble Estonian apartment, highlights how passion and creativity can lead to critically acclaimed indie games. The original developers embrace spiritual successors like Esoteric Ebb, fostering a positive environment for game development. This narrative serves as inspiration for aspiring developers worldwide, proving that great games can emerge from modest beginnings.
Disco Elysium writers marvel at how a game made 'in a f**king squalid flat' in Estonia had such a huge impact, and welcomes successors like Esoteric Ebb: 'We make games, but we also like them'
The writers of Disco Elysium reflect on the game's significant impact, noting how a title developed in Estonia has inspired successors like Esoteric Ebb. They express enjoyment for new, high-quality games in the genre, while emphasizing the need for continuous self-challenge to avoid complacency.
Two laugh-out-loud moments in Zero Parades gave me hope that the Disco Elysium successor will still deliver flashes of…
Zero Parades, the follow-up to Disco Elysium from developer ZA/UM, aims to blend spy thriller elements with the signature verbose style of its predecessor. Early impressions from a recent demo highlight humorous dialogue options and meaningful skill checks that offer unexpected outcomes, suggesting the game will deliver a unique twist on the RPG formula.
ZA/UM doesn't want 'to invite too many comparisons' to Disco Elysium with new game Zero Parades—'We didn't feel like we wanted to repeat our greatest hits'
ZA/UM's new CRPG spy thriller, Zero Parades, aims to differentiate itself from its acclaimed predecessor, Disco Elysium. Principal writer Siim Sinamäe stated the studio wants to avoid direct comparisons, highlighting differences in setting and protagonist, though the demo still evokes a similar feel. The development process involved significant trial and error to leverage the team's strengths.
The future of RPGs is isometric
The isometric role-playing game genre is experiencing a significant resurgence, driven by the success of titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Disco Elysium. This trend sees developers embracing the classic top-down perspective, bridging the gap between modern AAA RPGs and older, more hardcore cRPGs, with new projects emerging across indie, AA, and even AAA studios.
Tabletop gaming saved videogame RPGs
Tabletop gaming mechanics have significantly influenced the evolution of video game RPGs, leading to greater player agency and more creative combat systems. Games like Disco Elysium and Baldur's Gate 3 demonstrate this trend, offering deep role-playing experiences that owe a debt to tabletop origins. This approach is proving successful for both large and small studios, revitalizing the genre.
Review: Esoteric Ebb Is a Disco Elysium Style Fantasy
Esoteric Ebb is a fantasy role-playing game that draws inspiration from Disco Elysium, featuring a similar narrative structure and emphasis on dialogue and character interaction. Developed by Christoffer Bodegård, the game incorporates Dungeons & Dragons elements, including dice rolls for action resolution and a deep character creation system. The game is available for PC and offers a unique blend of absurdist humor and social commentary.
It's only March, but I'm calling it: Esoteric Ebb is 2026's best RPG and the first worthy successor to…
Esoteric Ebb is a new CRPG that draws heavy inspiration from Disco Elysium, offering a deep tabletop RPG-like experience with a focus on player choice and emergent gameplay. The game allows for extensive experimentation and features a unique skill system that acts as companions in the player's head. It is being praised for its innovative approach to CRPG combat and its ability to accommodate player-driven narratives, even when they deviate from the main quest.
Fantasy RPG Esoteric Ebb is "the most exciting game Disco Elysium has inspired", says former ZA/UM writer
Esoteric Ebb, a new RPG inspired by Disco Elysium, is described by a former ZA/UM writer as the most exciting game to emerge from that inspiration. The game features a detective protagonist with internal voices representing stats, a unique setting, and a narrative that blends humor with political commentary. It is available on PC and has a demo.
Highlights från Steam Next Fest
Steam Next Fest is currently underway, featuring hundreds of free playable demos for upcoming PC games. The event runs until March 2nd and highlights titles such as Wielders of the Essence, Denshattack!, and Far Far West, among others. Developers like Lavapotion and former ZA/UM team members are showcasing their new projects.
ZA/UM's Zero Parades is Schrodinger's Disco Elysium follow-up, and it keeps yelling at me about communism
The Next Fest demo for ZA/UM's Zero Parades, a spy CRPG, showcases gameplay that heavily echoes Disco Elysium while introducing new mechanics. Players control Hershel Wilk, a spy for a communist state, investigating her partner's collapse. The game explores themes of communism and capitalism, featuring internal monologues and skill checks, but its ultimate success hinges on balancing its Disco Elysium inspirations with its own unique direction.
How the Employment Rights Act 2025 empowers unions and employees, and how the games business must prepare
The new UK Employment Rights Act 2025, set to be implemented in stages through 2026 and 2027, significantly reforms employment laws, making it easier for trade unions to organize and take industrial action. The changes aim to reduce hurdles for unionization, simplify strike balloting, extend strike mandates, and offer greater protection to workers involved in industrial action. The article advises UK games businesses to prepare for increased union activity by understanding the legal framework, auditing employment practices, and ensuring documentation is robust.
The best RPGs 2026: pick a role
This article ranks the best Role-Playing Games available on PC, highlighting titles like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Baldur's Gate 3, and Elden Ring for their immersive worlds and engaging gameplay. It also touches upon upcoming RPGs such as The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fable, promising continued innovation in the genre.
Disco Elysium (PC) Review – As Good As It Gets
Disco Elysium is a landmark achievement in narrative-driven role-playing games, offering writing on par with the best literature. The game presents a unique protagonist and a meticulously crafted world, Revachol, with deep lore and complex characters. Its innovative mechanics, including personified internal skills and the Thought Cabinet, encourage player agency and ensure each playthrough is distinct.
