ZA/UM
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Layoffs hit ZA/UM after Zero Parades: For Dead Spies underperforms
RPG developer ZA/UM has laid off thirty-two employees, citing the underperformance of their recent game, Zero Parades: For Dead Spies. Despite critical acclaim, the game did not meet sales expectations. The article also touches on past controversies surrounding the studio's previous title, Disco Elysium.
ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies Studio Issues Redundancy and At-Risk Notices for Up to 32 Employees
ZA/UM, the studio behind ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies, has issued at-risk and redundancy notices to up to 32 employees due to the game's lack of commercial success. The company is consulting with its Workers' Alliance to assist those affected by the workforce reduction.
2 months after releasing Zero Parades, Studio ZA/UM is laying off employees: 'Its commercial performance has not enabled us to sustain a studio of our current size'
Studio ZA/UM has announced layoffs affecting up to 32 employees, citing the commercial performance of its recent game, Zero Parades: For Dead Spies. Despite critical acclaim, the game did not meet sales expectations, preventing the studio from sustaining its current size. This follows a history of internal turmoil and departures of key figures from its previous acclaimed title, Disco Elysium.
Controversial Disco Elysium studio plans 32 layoffs after latest RPG's underwhelming "commercial performance": "Our artistic standards remain unchanged"
Disco Elysium developer ZA/UM has announced layoffs affecting up to 32 employees due to the disappointing commercial performance of its latest RPG, Zero Parades: For Dead Spies. Despite the studio's internal turmoil and previous layoffs, ZA/UM states its artistic standards remain unchanged.
Zero Parades Dev Announces Layoffs Despite Game’s Critical Acclaim
Despite critical acclaim, Zero Parades: For Dead Spies developer ZA/UM has announced layoffs affecting up to 32 staffers due to the game's commercial performance. The studio stated that while the team's shape is changing, its artistic standards remain unchanged. This news comes amidst a wave of layoffs across the gaming industry, with companies like Xbox and Sony also making significant staff reductions.
22 trade union leaders have signed a letter joining the call for GTA 6 developer Rockstar to recognise the IWGB Game Workers union
Twenty-two trade union leaders have signed a letter urging Rockstar Games to recognize the IWGB Game Workers union. The letter, addressed to studio director Jennifer Kolbe and head of HR Rob Spampinato, emphasizes the right of all workers to unionize and calls on Rockstar to begin bargaining with the IWGB. This action follows reports of alleged crunch, a widening gender pay gap, and union-busting tactics at the Grand Theft Auto 6 developer.
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 Union
Employees 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 agrees
RPG 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 Review
ZERO 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 Bomb
Zero 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 Review
Zero 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 fun
Zero 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 bang
The 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 Systems
Longdue 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 More
ZA/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.