Recent revelations from current and former employees of Disco Elysium studio ZA/UM shed light on the tumultuous events that unfolded following the cancellation of the standalone expansion, codenamed X7. The fallout from this decision not only led to layoffs within the studio but also exposed a disturbing “humiliation campaign” targeted at writer Argo Tuulik, creating a ripple effect of chaos and discontent.
The cancellation of the X7 expansion acted as a catalyst for a series of unfortunate events within ZA/UM. Lead ideasman Robert Kurvitz was ousted from the studio, sparking a chain reaction that saw key creative talent depart. Insults were hurled, allegations of fraud surfaced, and tensions ran high as the studio navigated through a turbulent period of uncertainty and instability.
The most alarming revelation from the recent interviews was the targeted harassment and retaliation faced by writer Argo Tuulik in the aftermath of the X7 cancellation. Fellow lead writer Dora Klindžić shared details of a calculated “humiliation campaign” orchestrated against Tuulik, which included undermining his confidence, questioning his competence, and demoting him within the studio. This disturbing behavior not only tarnished the studio’s reputation but also left Tuulik feeling isolated and undervalued.
The departure of key personnel such as Kurvitz, Rostov, and Hindpere dealt a significant blow to the creative foundation of ZA/UM. While some talent, like writer and narrative designer Justin Keenan, remained at the studio, the cancellation of the full sequel to Disco Elysium and the pause on an unrelated sci-fi RPG project highlighted the growing challenges faced by the studio. These cancellations, coupled with the fallout from the X7 debacle, created a sense of uncertainty and disillusionment among the remaining staff.
The cancellation of the X7 expansion not only resulted in layoffs but also signaled a shift in the studio’s direction and priorities. The missed opportunity to release X7, coupled with the discord and internal strife, painted a grim picture of ZA/UM’s future. The departure of talented individuals like Klindžić, who sacrificed their established careers for a chance to work on the sequel to Disco Elysium, underscored the human cost of these turbulent events.
The recent revelations from ZA/UM shine a light on the dark underbelly of the gaming industry, where creative brilliance is often overshadowed by internal power struggles and targeted harassment. The turmoil at ZA/UM serves as a cautionary tale for studios and developers, highlighting the importance of fostering a supportive and respectful work environment. As the industry grapples with issues of workplace culture and employee wellbeing, the story of ZA/UM serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of unchecked toxicity and internal strife.
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