Disco Elysium Studio Fires Staff, Expansion Cancelled

Recent layoffs at ZA/UM, the studio behind the acclaimed RPG Disco Elysium, have led to the cancellation of a planned expansion for the game. Reports initially surfaced from GLHF claiming that around 24 employees, approximately a quarter of the studio's workforce, had been dismissed. It was also revealed that a standalone expansion, known by its codename X7, which needed one to two more years of development, has been scrapped. This follows previous cancellations of a Disco Elysium sequel and a new science fiction game by the same studio. ZA/UM has confirmed the downsizing, explaining that team adjustments are common depending on the studio's current projects.

Disco Elysium, released in 2019, is a critically lauded game praised for its character freedom and sophisticated writing. The recent layoffs continue a broader trend in the gaming industry, which has seen numerous companies, including giants like Microsoft, Unity, Twitch, Riot Games, and others, reduce their workforce in both 2023 and 2024.

The cancellation of the Disco Elysium expansion, codenamed X7, was a result of the layoffs at ZA/UM studio due to the reevaluation of ongoing projects and the company's changing needs.

Disco Elysium is an award-winning role-playing game developed by ZA/UM. It debuted to critical acclaim for its deep narrative, open-ended character development, and unique gameplay mechanics. Set in a beautifully crafted world with a profound political narrative, the game has been celebrated for its innovative approach to the RPG genre, featuring a focus on dialogue and choices rather than combat.