In 2019, a small Estonian studio named ZA/UM burst onto the scene with their debut project on Steam, an isometric narrative RPG titled Disco Elysium. Drawing inspiration from classic computer RPGs like Planescape: Torment, this game set itself apart by focusing heavily on dialogue rather than combat. Players were introduced to an alcoholic, amnesiac detective, grappling with his past while solving a murder in a city teetering on the brink of poverty. Despite its unconventional style, Disco Elysium became a surprise hit, earning critical acclaim and numerous Game of the Year awards.
Initially exclusive to Windows PC, Disco Elysium expanded its reach over the following years. It made its way to macOS in 2020, and with the enhanced re-release known as The Final Cut, it arrived on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and the now-defunct Google Stadia in March 2021. Later that year, it also landed on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. Thanks to these expansions, nearly all modern platforms had access to ZA/UM’s standout RPG, with mobile phones soon to be added to that list.
Surprisingly, ZA/UM announced earlier this week that Disco Elysium will finally be making its way to Android devices in the summer of 2025. This isn’t just a basic port; the game has been completely reimagined for mobile. It will adapt to a vertical screen and offer a primarily first-person experience, replacing 3D environments with 2D artwork to resemble a point-and-click adventure more than an RPG.
This new version could be ideal for players looking for shorter gameplay sessions, making it more suitable for mobile play. It offers a fresh take on the game, perfect for fans wanting another round of Disco Elysium while on the move. However, recent controversies involving ZA/UM might dampen some players’ enthusiasm for this new release.
ZA/UM has faced significant scrutiny over alleged mistreatment of its developers, some of whom were instrumental in the creation of Disco Elysium. In October 2022, a former employee disclosed that he and several others, including co-founder Robert Kurvitz, were forced out of the company the previous year. Kurvitz, a key figure behind the game’s design and storyline, claimed their departures were due to their opposition to selling ZA/UM and the Disco Elysium IP to a holding company owned by CEO Ilmar Kompus. The studio countered these accusations, stating the dismissals resulted from creating a toxic work environment.
As the feud between ZA/UM and Kurvitz remains unresolved, overwhelming the anticipation for the upcoming Android release, many original team members have already moved on to new ventures. With these internal issues casting a shadow, some fans hesitate to support the new mobile port, cautious of benefiting the current management with past developers’ efforts. Unfortunately, any excitement for this latest rendition of Disco Elysium is being overshadowed by the ongoing drama surrounding its developers.
