Disco Elysium, a critically acclaimed game, faced challenges within its own studio, ZA/UM. The cancellation of the standalone expansion, X7, led to potential redundancies and a series of unsettling events. The fallout from this decision exposed a toxic work environment that ultimately resulted in the departure of key creative talent.
One of the most disturbing aspects of the cancellation was the treatment of writer Argo Tuulik. Multiple sources revealed that Tuulik was subjected to a “humiliation campaign” by the studio’s leadership. He was made to apologize for his involvement in a documentary and was belittled to the point of doubting his own abilities. This behavior highlights a pattern of bullying and mistreatment within the company.
The aftermath of the cancellation and subsequent layoffs left many employees disillusioned and questioning their roles at ZA/UM. Writer and narrative designer Justin Keenan, who remained at the studio after the departure of key figures, found himself in a precarious position. The cancellation of the full sequel to Disco Elysium and the pause on an unrelated RPG project further added to the turmoil within the studio.
Former employees such as Dora Klindžić shared their heartbreaking stories of abandoning their previous careers to work on projects that were ultimately scrapped. The emotional toll of being caught up in the chaos and uncertainty at ZA/UM cannot be overstated. Klindžić’s account of feeling betrayed and lost after leaving a successful career to join the studio is a poignant reminder of the human cost of corporate mismanagement.
With the cancellation of X7 and the departure of key creative talent, the future of ZA/UM remains uncertain. The studio’s reputation has been tarnished by the revelations of mistreatment and misconduct. Moving forward, it is essential for ZA/UM to address the underlying issues that led to this controversy and prioritize the well-being of its employees.
The controversy surrounding Disco Elysium studio ZA/UM sheds light on the darker side of the gaming industry. The mistreatment of employees, the cancellation of projects, and the toxic work environment have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the studio itself. It is crucial for companies to prioritize transparency, communication, and respect for their employees to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
Leave a Reply