You might have heard about one Disco Elysium spiritual successor being announced recently, developed in part by members of the original team. Surprisingly, three distinct projects were revealed, each aiming to capture the magic of one of the greatest games of all time.
This resurgence of talent comes after internal disputes and legal battles hampered a proper sequel at ZA/UM, the original studio. While ZA/UM continues work on a separate project, these new studios offer a renewed hope for fans eager for more Disco Elysium-inspired experiences. Let’s delve into each project and what they bring to the table.
XXX Nightshift: A Futuristic Antarctic Mystery
Dark Math Games, a “breakaway group” from ZA/UM, announced XXX Nightshift. Led by former ZA/UM motion graphic designer Timo Albert, the 20-person team includes individuals “trained” on Disco Elysium. Early footage showcases a visual style reminiscent of its inspiration, but Dark Math promises unique gameplay elements.
Set in Antarctica in 2086, XXX Nightshift revolves around a mystery at a ski resort. The game will feature a “unique companion dynamic,” a deep RPG system, and multiple solutions to its central enigma. Albert hints at innovations in traditional RPG mechanics, promising “a few less words. And a few more bullets, perhaps. In total: lot more fun.”
XXX Nightshift Trailer
Untitled Project by Longdue: Psychogeographic RPG Evolution
Longdue, a smaller team of around twelve developers, also includes former Disco Elysium contributors. Their untitled project aims to “continue Disco Elysium’s award-winning legacy” with a bold new artistic direction in the narrative-driven CRPG space.
Their key innovation is a “groundbreaking ‘psychogeographic RPG’ mechanic,” suggesting a complex and dynamic world shaped by player choices. GamesIndustry.biz confirmed the involvement of former designer Robert Kurvitz and former art director Aleksander Rostov, both of whom departed ZA/UM in 2022 under disputed circumstances.
Summer Eternal: A Collective Vision
Summer Eternal takes a different approach, openly revealing its team of Disco Elysium veterans. This includes writers Argo Tuulik, Olga Moskvina, and Dora Klindžić; art director Aleksandar Gavrilović; concept artist Anastasia Ivanova; graphic designer Mitchell Oswell; and even narrator Lenval Brown.
Structured as a co-op, Summer Eternal prioritizes member control over their creations. Their mission is to continue the technical and creative work initiated with Disco Elysium. Tuulik expressed a desire to recapture the genre-breaking innovation of the original, adding a commitment to a healthier collaborative environment.
While game details remain scarce, Summer Eternal’s online presence reveals a strong alignment with Disco Elysium‘s political themes. Their manifesto addresses the video game industry, the rise of generative AI, and the influence of capitalism. They declare, “We make games because we have to. It is our calling.”
A New Dawn for Disco-Inspired Narratives
These three projects represent a fascinating development for fans of Disco Elysium. Each offers a unique perspective on the narrative-driven CRPG genre, building upon the groundwork laid by the original. While their paths diverge, they share a common thread: a passion for innovative storytelling and a desire to create experiences that resonate deeply with players. The future of Disco Elysium-inspired games looks brighter than ever.
