In an intriguing development within the gaming industry, a new studio named Dark Math Games has emerged, founded by a group of former developers from the renowned ZA/UM. This new venture is dedicated to creating a role-playing game titled XXX Nightshift, which bears a striking resemblance to the acclaimed Disco Elysium. This announcement marks the second studio launch in a single day from ex-ZA/UM staff, with another studio, Longdue, also revealing their plans for a game inspired by the 2019 classic.
Unfolding Drama and New Beginnings
Dark Math Games joins a growing list of studios, including Red Info and even ZA/UM itself, that are vying for a piece of the Disco Elysium legacy. The Companies House entry for Dark Math indicates that Heiti Kender serves as a current director, while his brother, Kaur Kender, has resigned from the position. The Kender brothers have been central figures in the tumultuous narrative surrounding ZA/UM, particularly following allegations made by Robert Kurvitz and Alexander Rostov, the studio’s founder and lead writer, respectively. They claimed they were ousted from the company through actions that could be described as “criminal wrongdoing.” Kaur Kender had previously withdrawn a lawsuit against ZA/UM’s majority shareholder in 2022, adding layers to the ongoing saga.
Amidst this backdrop, the promotional material for Dark Math Games has notably sidestepped the drama, focusing instead on the creative vision behind XXX Nightshift. Albert, a representative from the studio, has articulated a desire to “innovate traditional RPG mechanics” and deliver a fresh experience to players. He hints at a gameplay style that will feature “a few less words and a few more bullets,” promising an engaging adventure.
The game itself showcases a familiar aesthetic, reminiscent of Disco Elysium, particularly in its dialogue presentation, which appears along the right side of the screen. Players will assume the role of a “Patrol Operative,” navigating a narrative set against the backdrop of a luxurious Antarctic ski resort. This unique premise, combined with the moody atmosphere depicted in the dialogue trailer, has piqued interest among gaming enthusiasts.
As the landscape of role-playing games continues to evolve, the emergence of Dark Math Games and its ambitious project XXX Nightshift invites curiosity and speculation about the future direction of storytelling in the genre. The blend of familiar mechanics with innovative twists could potentially carve out a new niche for fans of narrative-driven games.
