In a notable turn of events for the gaming industry, the newly established studio Longdue has emerged, announcing its ambitious plans to create a role-playing game inspired by the acclaimed Disco Elysium. With a team described as “a dozen strong,” Longdue boasts several former members from the renowned Studio ZA/UM, the original creators of Disco Elysium. While the project is still in its infancy and lacks an official title, the studio’s initial press release has already captured attention with a striking piece of concept art depicting three shadowy figures gazing through a triangular window, set against the backdrop of a cave or ancient ruin.
Exploring the Depths of Psyche and Environment
Longdue’s forthcoming game promises to delve into the intricate relationship between the conscious and subconscious, as well as the interplay between the visible and the hidden. The studio has introduced the term “psychogeographic RPG” to describe its approach, a concept that resonates with the psychological themes that fans of Disco Elysium have come to appreciate. This innovative narrative style suggests that player choices will have profound effects on both the character’s mental state and their surroundings, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling.
Drawing inspiration from iconic titles such as Disco Elysium and Planescape: Torment, Longdue has confirmed that its project will adopt an isometric perspective, reminiscent of these beloved classics. However, details about which specific former ZA/UM developers have joined Longdue remain under wraps. Notably, the studio has clarified that key figures like writer Robert Kurvitz and artist Aleksander Rostov are not part of this new venture, as they continue to lead their own initiative, Red Info Ltd.
The landscape surrounding the legacy of Disco Elysium is becoming increasingly complex. Following the cancellation of a sequel and a standalone expansion by Studio ZA/UM earlier this year, many of the original game’s developers, including writer Argo Tuulik, were laid off. Meanwhile, ZA/UM is reportedly focused on a new RPG set in an entirely different universe, separate from the Disco Elysium narrative.
As the gaming community watches closely, the emergence of Longdue adds another layer to the ongoing saga of Disco Elysium’s intellectual property. With three distinct studios—Longdue, Red Info, and ZA/UM—each claiming a piece of the RPG legacy, the situation has sparked intrigue and speculation. As PC Gamer’s Joshua Wolens aptly noted, the fragmentation of a studio known for its revolutionary narrative style mirrors the themes of division and conflict that resonate within the very games they created.
