New Game 'Zero Parades' Looks Like 'Disco Elysium,' But Studio Has Changed

ZA/UM has a new game called Zero Parades. Many people say it looks and feels like their old game, Disco Elysium. However, the studio has had many changes, and the main people who made Disco Elysium are not working on this new game. This makes people wonder if Zero Parades will be its own thing.
By Newsroom | Gaming, Video Games |

The unveiling of Zero Parades, the new RPG from ZA/UM, has generated considerable discussion regarding its perceived similarities to the studio's acclaimed predecessor, Disco Elysium. This echoes a recurring theme in how creative studios navigate their past successes while forging new paths, particularly when significant internal shifts have occurred.

ZA/UM’s New RPG Is Similar To Disco Elysium Because ‘We're Still the Same People’ - 1

Echoes of a Predecessor: Visuals, Tone, and Gameplay

Initial glimpses and descriptions of Zero Parades immediately bring Disco Elysium to mind for many observers. The art style is frequently noted as being remarkably similar, with some describing it as akin to "Disco Elysium in glasses and a moustache." Beyond aesthetics, the manner of interaction with the game world and its characters, including the distinctive way characters speak, appears to carry over. This carries weight for fans who cherished Disco Elysium's unique approach to dialogue and player agency.

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ZA/UM’s New RPG Is Similar To Disco Elysium Because ‘We're Still the Same People’ - 2

  • The game is an espionage RPG, focusing on a "tormented operant" on a mission.

  • Gameplay mechanics are described as "dialogue and choice driven," with a narrative emphasis.

  • The tone is often characterized as "dreary" and "noir-tinged," reminiscent of Disco Elysium's atmospheric presentation.

  • The studio itself has described the game as a "story-rich espionage RPG" set in its own universe.

The Question of Evolution: "Same People" vs. New Direction

ZA/UM has offered an explanation for the continuity, with writer and VO director Jim Ashilevi stating that the similarities exist because "We're still the same people." This sentiment underscores the idea that a core creative identity persists within the studio. However, this perspective faces scrutiny from those who had hoped for a more distinct departure.

ZA/UM’s New RPG Is Similar To Disco Elysium Because ‘We're Still the Same People’ - 3

  • Some fans express unease about the lack of a new direction for Zero Parades.

  • The studio's total staff is around 90 individuals.

  • Ashilevi has noted that "Each [project is a] separate limb of the whole," suggesting a connected but not identical creative vision.

Behind the Curtain: Studio Upheaval and Creative Departures

The development of Zero Parades unfolds against a backdrop of considerable internal turmoil within ZA/UM. Years after Disco Elysium's release, the studio has experienced "a host of changes," including "mud-slinging, firings, and lawsuits." This period of disruption has led to significant creative departures.

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ZA/UM’s New RPG Is Similar To Disco Elysium Because ‘We're Still the Same People’ - 4

  • The primary creative forces behind Disco Elysium—Robert Kurvitz, Helen Hindpere, and Aleksander Rostov—are reportedly not involved with Zero Parades.

  • Several individuals who worked on Disco Elysium in some capacity, such as Martin Luiga, Argo Tuulik, and Olga Moskvina, have since left ZA/UM to pursue other projects.

  • This has led some observers to note that ZA/UM is now more recognized for the internal conflicts surrounding Disco Elysium than for the game itself.

The Shadow of Success: Can "Zero Parades" Stand Alone?

The critical and commercial success of Disco Elysium has cast a long shadow, making it a challenging benchmark for any subsequent title from the studio. Zero Parades is tasked with not only delivering its own compelling experience but also with potentially living up to the high expectations set by its predecessor.

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  • There is a perception that Zero Parades might not be a "worthy follow-up" to Disco Elysium.

  • The game is described as a "spiritual successor," but it is "too early to say how exactly that’s going to turn out."

  • The narrative focuses on a spy facing a "bloody web of intrigue" and the need to prove themselves "on the big stage."

  • A key design philosophy highlighted is enabling players to "fail forward," making failure a valuable part of the player's journey rather than a simple setback.

Expert Perspectives on Creative Evolution

Industry analysts and commentators have weighed in on the dynamic between ZA/UM's past and present work. The central question revolves around whether the continued creative personnel guarantees a similar quality and artistic merit, or if the departures signify a fundamental shift in the studio's output.

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"There are people who joined us because they loved Disco Elysium. Being distinct is inevitable, as only a few creatives who worked on Disco Elysium and Disco Elysium: The Final Cut remain at ZA/UM now." — Digital Trends (citing developers at ZA/UM)

This statement suggests that while new talent has joined, the departure of key Disco Elysium creators is acknowledged as a significant factor influencing the studio's current trajectory. The "distinctness" mentioned implies that Zero Parades is intended to chart its own course, despite surface-level similarities.

Conclusion: Navigating Legacy and New Horizons

Zero Parades stands at a critical juncture, attempting to build upon the celebrated foundation of Disco Elysium while navigating a complex internal history. The visual and thematic echoes are undeniable, prompting questions about artistic evolution versus replication. The studio's explanation of internal continuity offers one perspective, while the acknowledged departures of key creative staff present another. The ultimate success of Zero Parades will likely hinge on its ability to forge a unique identity that resonates with players, independent of, yet acknowledging, the legacy of Disco Elysium.

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Read More: New Game 'Zero Parades' Looks Like 'Disco Elysium', Studio Says It's the Same People

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Zero Parades?
Zero Parades is a new role-playing game made by the studio ZA/UM. It is an espionage game where you play as a spy.
Q: Why do people say it looks like Disco Elysium?
The new game has a similar art style and way of talking to characters. Many people feel it is like their older game, Disco Elysium.
Q: Are the same people who made Disco Elysium making Zero Parades?
No, the main people who created Disco Elysium have left ZA/UM. The studio says they are still the same team, but many key members are gone.
Q: Is Zero Parades a good follow-up to Disco Elysium?
It is too soon to say. Some people are worried because the original creators are not involved. Others hope the new team can make something great on its own.