Five years ago, an unknown studio under the name of ZA/UM released a groundbreaking work. Disco Elysium, a role-playing game with a noir aesthetic where, literally, every action or step affected the story in some way, premiered as a resounding success, also becoming one of the best games in history, the best of the 2010s according to Time magazine. Now, with the ZA/UM studio disbanded and their future uncertain, its former creators have come together, founded a new studio called Longdue, and have presented their first game: a psychological RPG that will be the spiritual successor to the acclaimed Disco Elysium.
Longdue’s new RPG, still unnamed, has been unveiled today with a dual purpose. On one hand, to show that the minds behind Disco Elysium will continue to do what they love: making video games; and on the other hand, it represents a statement of intent, as that RPG premiered five years ago. Therefore, it is a double reason to celebrate its anniversary and the perfect excuse to add a new project to the radar.
A RPG with a strong psychological foundation
Speaking of the game itself, it will be set in a decadent world where the delicate interaction between the conscious and the subconscious, the visible and the invisible will be explored. According to the studio, the game will be based on a “psychogeographical mechanic“, where players’ decisions will influence both the environment and the psyche of the characters, creating a unique and profoundly immersive experience. This innovative proposal promises to challenge the conventions of traditional RPGs, exploring the connection between the mind and the world around it.
First conceptual art of the game
The team behind Longdue is composed of industry veterans, including talents from studios like Bungie, Rockstar, and Brave At Night. While their goal is to continue the legacy of Disco Elysium, they will also be inspired by other classics like Planescape: Torment, as they carve their own path with a proposal that prioritizes both narrative depth and open-world design.
Longdue’s narrative director, Grant Roberts, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the influence of decades of classic RPGs on their creative approach. “We want to create a role-playing experience that explores the relationship between internal and external worlds, with a story that has a deep emotional impact on players,” he stated. Roberts emphasized that the studio aims to redefine expectations in the genre, creating a game that will be remembered for its psychological complexity and innovative narrative.
Longdue’s project has already caught the attention of investors, who see great potential in the studio to develop a new generation of role-playing games. Fans interested in following the development of the successor to Disco Elysium can visit the studio’s official website, although, for now, all we can do is wait.
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