Disco Elysium Studio Hints at New Project—Not a Sequel

ZA/UM, the developer behind Disco Elysium, has shared a sneak peek into their next project titled "Project C4," which is distinct from any Disco Elysium sequel. This upcoming game centers on espionage and is influenced by the works of John le Carré, particularly the Smiley vs. Karla trilogy. Unlike typical spy narratives, Project C4 dives into the intricacies of espionage, focusing on themes of failure and consequence in player choices, similar to Disco Elysium’s "fail forward" mechanic. Players will navigate a world filled with hidden agendas and competing powers, all while managing psychological influences and their effects on the mind. While many original team members have departed from ZA/UM amidst controversies, the remaining studio staff aims to showcase Project C4 further at the upcoming Game Developers Conference.

Project C4 explores themes such as espionage, allegiance, betrayal, and the consequences of failure, reflecting a narrative structure where players must live with their choices without a reset option.

Disco Elysium, released in 2019, is an acclaimed role-playing game known for its deep narrative and unique mechanics, making the announcement of Project C4 particularly interesting to fans of the genre. The original game set a new standard in storytelling within the RPG community, which has raised expectations for ZA/UM’s new title as they explore different thematic territory within the same philosophical framework.