Disco Elysium Creators Embark on a Groundbreaking New Journey

The gaming world is abuzz with the news of a spiritual successor to the critically acclaimed Disco Elysium, as a team of seasoned developers from the original studio, ZA/UM, have come together to form a new independent studio, Longdue. This highly anticipated project promises to push the boundaries of narrative-driven RPGs, drawing inspiration from both Disco Elysium and the classic Planescape: Torment, as well as other revered titles in the genre.

Unlocking the Secrets of the Psychogeographic RPG

A Narrative-First Approach

At the heart of Longdue's upcoming game lies a "groundbreaking 'psychogeographic RPG' mechanic," where the decisions made by players will have a profound impact on the world and its characters. This narrative-first approach, fueled by player choice, is a hallmark of the studio's vision, drawing inspiration from the beloved classics that have defined the RPG genre.The narrative director, Grant Roberts, expressed the team's excitement to continue the legacy of these iconic games, stating, "We're inspired by decades of classic RPGs, from Ultima and Wizardry, through Fallout and Planescape, to the justifiably adored Disco Elysium. We're excited to continue that legacy with another narrative-first, psychological RPG, where the interplay between inner worlds and external landscapes is the beating heart of the experience."

A World-Class Team, a World-Class Game

Longdue's impressive lineup of talent includes not only developers from the original Disco Elysium studio, but also individuals with experience from industry giants like Bungie and Rockstar. This diverse team of creative minds is poised to deliver a "world-class game that will tell a world-class story," as Roberts enthusiastically proclaimed.The studio's commitment to crafting a truly exceptional experience is further bolstered by the support of a private investor, Riaz Moola, who expressed his excitement to "back the work of an incredible team of creative talent and support the development of a new type of narrative-first video game experience and associated technology to improve the creation of these games across the video game industry."

A Spiritual Successor with a Twist

While Disco Elysium's lead developers, Robert Kurvitz and Aleksander Rostov, are not directly involved in this new project, the team at Longdue is determined to honor the legacy of the beloved game while introducing their own unique vision. The studio's focus on the "interplay between inner worlds and external landscapes" promises to deliver a fresh and captivating experience for both longtime fans and newcomers to the genre.The announcement of Longdue's first game comes at a significant time, as it coincides with the fifth anniversary of Disco Elysium's release. This timing serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of the original game and the high expectations that the gaming community has for its spiritual successor.

A Rivalry Emerges

Interestingly, the announcement of Longdue's project is accompanied by the emergence of a rival game from a breakaway group of former Disco Elysium developers. This new studio, Dark Math Games, is set to unveil its first project, XXX Nightshift, which is described as a "breakaway group from the original development team of Disco Elysium."The apparent rivalry between these two studios is likely the result of the unrest that followed the release of Disco Elysium, including reports of a lawsuit, allegations of toxic behavior, IP theft, and the cancellation of a standalone expansion. This dynamic adds an intriguing layer of intrigue to the narrative, as the gaming community eagerly awaits to see how these two projects will unfold and potentially shape the future of narrative-driven RPGs.As the gaming world eagerly anticipates the unveiling of Longdue's first game, the studio's commitment to honoring the legacy of Disco Elysium while pushing the boundaries of the genre is palpable. With a world-class team, a visionary approach, and the backing of a supportive investor, Longdue's project promises to be a must-watch for RPG enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates the power of storytelling in the digital realm.