With the founding of the new studio Longdue, former developers of Disco Elysium are announcing a spiritual successor to the acclaimed title. Right on time for the fifth anniversary of the award-winning game, Longdue is working on a new RPG that builds on the foundations of the celebrated adventure game.
In-depth psychogeographical RPG
Longdue’s new game is described as a “psychogeographical RPG” that explores the interplay between the character’s inner world and their environment in a completely new way. The players’ decisions influence not only the world but also the characters’ psyche. The studio emphasizes that in this title, the boundaries between consciousness and reality are blurred and every decision has a profound impact on the gameplay. Players will experience a unique psychological journey that is both intellectually and emotionally challenging.
Inspiration from Disco Elysium and other classics
Longdue draws inspiration from classics like Planescape: Torment and Ultima, but especially from the work on Disco Elysium. The narrative approach of the new project is heavily influenced by the creative minds who have already worked on the unreleased sequel to Disco Elysium. Nevertheless, the studio emphasizes that this is not just a sequel, but a completely independent work that aims to further develop the genre and inspire players with innovative ideas.
Grant Roberts, Narrative Director at Longdue, explains: “We want to continue the legacy of Disco Elysium while creating a new and unique experience. Our goal is to tell a story that delves deep into the psyche of our characters and immerses players in a fascinating world full of moral and emotional challenges.”
Working conditions and controversies at ZA/UM
While fans of the series are eagerly awaiting the new title from Longdue, the working conditions at the original development studio ZA/UM cast a shadow over the game’s legacy. Reports of poor working conditions, internal disputes and creative differences have severely hampered the development of a direct successor to Disco Elysium in the past. Key members of the original team left the studio after tensions with the new owners arose.
These controversial circumstances may be one of the reasons why some of the creative minds are now working together at Longdue to realize their original vision in a new project. It is to be hoped that the interpersonal conditions will also improve in the new studio.
