Disco Elysium, the role-playing game by ZA/UM, won 4 nominations at The Game Awards 2019, has enthralled fans with its unique storytelling and intricate world-building.
However, recent revelations about a cancelled standalone spin-off, codenamed X7, have sparked significant discussion in the gaming community. Initially disclosed in February, the project was reportedly nearing completion when it was abruptly halted.
The Unveiling of X7 and The Whole Drama Inside
In February, news broke about the cessation of work on X7, accompanied by reports of layoffs at ZA/UM. PC Gamer reported it, at the time, the spin-off was said to be “one to two years away from completion.” Current and former employees have since revealed more about the project’s potential and the circumstances surrounding its cancellation.
Lead writer Dora Klindžić expressed that X7 would have been “110 percent authentic” and the “most hardcore Disco since Disco.” The spin-off aimed to advance the narrative, emotional threads, and gameplay elements, pushing the boundaries of the psychological RPG genre pioneered by Disco Elysium. Klindžić noted that for a time, it seemed like “miracles were possible, and with them, redemption.”
The Focus on a Beloved Character
One of the former developers revealed that X7 centered around “one of the most beloved characters” from Disco Elysium. This focus was seen as a strategic move to create a compelling, Disco-like experience despite the absence of original key figures like Robert Kurvitz and Aleksander Rostov. Internal reactions were overwhelmingly positive when X7 was showcased towards the end of the previous year, boosting morale after a period of negative press around the studio.
While some insiders believed the spin-off could have been released this year, others suggested a 2025 launch was more realistic. Klindžić mentioned that without management interference, the development cycle could have been completed within three years. She joined ZA/UM in February 2022, leaving behind a career as an academic physicist and space mission scientist, only to face immediate setbacks as the project leads were replaced and the original sequel plans were shelved.
The Creation and Cancellation of X7
In August, Klindžić and writer Argo Tuulik were tasked with pitching a spin-off, given only a week to develop a comprehensive game concept. Their hard work led to the approval and greenlighting of X7, with a production schedule set for one year. However, the team faced numerous obstacles, including a lack of pre-production time and insufficient staffing for the writing team.
From the moment the pitch was approved, production began without a clear narrative or character framework, causing significant strain. Tuulik highlighted the challenge of supplying work for other disciplines while simultaneously developing the game’s dialogue and story. The writing team, comprising only Tuulik and Klindžić, had to work tirelessly to meet these demands. Another developer commented on the lack of control felt by Klindžić and Tuulik, pointing to systemic issues within the studio’s management.
Uncertain Future and Lingering Questions
The exact reasons for X7’s cancellation remain unclear, but the situation at ZA/UM is evidently troubled. Klindžić emphasized the team’s dedication to the Disco Elysium world, expressing a desire to preserve its legacy rather than allow it to become dormant under corporate control.
Since its 2019 release, Disco Elysium has been embroiled in controversy due to a public legal battle involving former key team members. In 2022, ZA/UM founder Martin Luiga claimed that designer Robert Kurvitz, writer Helen Hindpere, and art director Aleksander Rostov were fired following the company’s acquisition by Estonian businessmen Ilmar Kompus and Tõnis Haavel, both of whom had a history of legal troubles. This has led to a series of lawsuits and allegations of toxic behavior within the studio.