A new chapter in the realm of role-playing games is unfolding with the establishment of Longdue, a developer poised to create a “spiritual successor” to the critically acclaimed 2019 title, Disco Elysium. This burgeoning studio, currently home to a dedicated team of 12, includes several individuals who contributed to the original game as well as its ill-fated sequel. The roster also boasts talent from industry giants such as Bungie, known for Destiny and Halo, and Rockstar, the powerhouse behind Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption.
A Unique Gaming Experience
Longdue’s inaugural project is characterized as a “psychogeographic RPG,” designed to delve into the intricate dynamics between the conscious and subconscious realms, as well as the visible and invisible aspects of existence. Players will embark on a journey through a fluid and ever-evolving world, where choices resonate within both the character’s psyche and their surroundings, influenced by a myriad of internal and external factors.
Disco Elysium, the Bafta-winning predecessor, has left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape. Players assume the role of a troubled detective navigating a city still haunted by the remnants of a long-ago conflict. This title has garnered acclaim as one of the finest computer RPGs, consistently ranking at the pinnacle of PC Gamer’s 100 best PC games list. Its bold narrative tackles themes ranging from racism and socialist ideologies to philosophy and psychology, all while engaging players with its sharp wit and creative language. This unique blend has fostered a passionate community of supporters.
The Legacy of Disco Elysium
However, the future of Disco Elysium has been shrouded in uncertainty following a series of disputes at its developer, ZA/UM. In 2022, key figures such as lead designer and writer Robert Kurvitz, writer Helen Hindpere, and lead artist Aleksander Rostov alleged they were ousted from the company, a claim that was met with counterclaims of misconduct from ZA/UM. This conflict spiraled into years of legal battles, which only concluded in 2023. Despite the resolution, ZA/UM faced significant challenges, including the layoff of a quarter of its remaining workforce earlier this year. Plans for a sequel and an expansion to Disco Elysium were ultimately scrapped.
While Longdue has yet to disclose the specific identities of its team members from the original Disco Elysium, it has confirmed that Rostov and Kurvitz are not part of this new venture. The narrative direction is being led by Grant Roberts, a veteran from Bungie and Rocksteady. Roberts expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “At Longdue, 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.”
