Disco Elysium, a critically acclaimed game that was released in 2019, was a success that was loved by many. However, the success was short-lived as the studio behind the game, ZA/UM, faced a series of internal issues that ultimately led to the cancellation of a standalone expansion, X7. The fallout included the departure of key creative talents such as Robert Kurvitz, insults being thrown, fraud allegations, and a general sense of turmoil within the studio.
One of the most disturbing aspects of the fallout at ZA/UM was the so-called “humiliation campaign” that writer Argo Tuulik was subjected to. As revealed by former employees, Argo was targeted as a retaliation for his involvement in a documentary about the game. He was made to apologize for his statements, undermined, demoted, and made to feel incompetent and unfit to lead his own project. The treatment of Argo highlights a toxic work environment within the studio, where personal vendettas overshadowed creative collaboration.
The repercussions of the cancellations and layoffs at ZA/UM extended beyond the immediate impact on the staff. Former employees like Dora Klindžić, who left a successful career to work on the sequel to Disco Elysium, found themselves disillusioned and abandoned when the project was shelved without explanation. The ripple effect of the studio’s internal strife was felt not just in the workplace, but in the lives and careers of those who had invested their time and talent in the studio’s projects.
The cancellation of the X7 expansion, along with other projects, represented a lost opportunity for ZA/UM to build on the success of Disco Elysium. The potential release of X7 in 2025 was a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos, but conflicting timelines and internal discord ultimately led to its demise. The studio’s inability to capitalize on its creative momentum and retain key talent speaks to a larger issue of mismanagement and internal conflict that plagued ZA/UM during this period.
The saga of ZA/UM serves as a cautionary tale for the video game industry, showcasing the detrimental effects of internal strife and mismanagement on creative projects. The rise and fall of Disco Elysium, once heralded as a groundbreaking game, is a stark reminder of the fragility of success in an industry driven by passion and creativity. It is a reminder that behind every game lies a team of individuals whose livelihoods and well-being are deeply intertwined with the success or failure of their projects.
The fallout at ZA/UM following the cancellation of the X7 expansion sheds light on the dark underbelly of the video game industry. It is a story of missed opportunities, personal vendettas, and creative turmoil that ultimately led to the unraveling of a once-thriving studio. As the dust settles and the industry grapples with the aftermath, it is important to reflect on the lessons learned from this saga and strive to create a more inclusive, supportive, and transparent environment for all those involved in game development.
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