Disco Elysium is one of the most revolutionary and groundbreaking video games of the last decade. Saying this is nothing strange or new: it has been said since before its release. It is such a special and unique game that it is inevitable that it causes a stir and many people want to imitate it. Even if so far there have hardly been any imitators. Although there is a logical explanation for that: making a video game takes time, now more than ever, and time has had to be allowed for the imitators of this great success to arrive. But they are starting to come. With more or […]
Disco Elysium is one of the most revolutionary and groundbreaking video games of the last decade. Saying this is nothing strange or new: it has been said since before its release. It is such a special and unique game that it is inevitable that it causes a stir and many people want to imitate it. Even if so far there have hardly been any imitators. Although there is a logical explanation for that: making a video game takes time, now more than ever, and time has to be allowed for the imitators of this great success to arrive.
But they are starting to arrive. With more or less grace, understanding better or worse what made the original game by ZA/UM special, many are inspired by it to create their own RPG. And perhaps the most notable of the first wave of games clearly inspired by Disco Elysium, ironically, has no connection to anyone who worked on it. Its name is Esoteric Ebb and, even more surprisingly, it is the work of a single developer: Christoffer Bodegård.
A game with the essence of Disco Elysium
Esoteric Ebb puts us in a very uncomfortable situation: we are a cleric who wakes up in the morgue after what we are convinced has been our death. We cannot take off our helmet, so we cannot know what our face looks like. And worst of all, we have no exact memories of what has happened.
Fortunately, we soon discovered a few things. To begin with, we might not be a cleric: it is perfectly possible that we are a rogue, a warrior, or a wizard. And that will be decided by what we ourselves choose to be through conversations. Also, our attributes speak to us. Strength, constitution, dexterity, charisma, wisdom, and intelligence will constantly intervene to give us advice and guide us, not always in the most accurate way possible, depending on the numbers we have in each of them. This adds a very interesting twist to Disco Elysium by associating it with the logic of Dungeons & Dragons.
But what is our mission? To discover why and who was behind the explosion of a tea room. And if possible, to find out why we appeared dead in the sea before being rescued by anonymous fishermen. We will have to do all of this within a very specific time limit: five days. Why? Because in five days, the first elections in the history of the city will take place, and such a serious situation cannot be left unresolved before the election results.
Being able to focus on the investigation case or get involved in the political life of the city, being able to support any of the political parties —which represent socialist, liberal, monarchical positions and, justly, also the possibility of being chosen as an all-powerful wizard king—, how much we get involved and to what extent is up to us. If we want to know more about our character, the world, and how they will evolve, it is in our hands, but we can also ignore it and focus on the investigation case. Something for which we will have the assistance of a goblin who will try to help us get through these five overwhelming days.
With a more cartoonish artistic style and less baroque writing than Disco Elysium, but equally brilliant, Esoteric Ebb stands out for knowing how to capture the spirit of the ZA/UM game while creating something unique with it. Creating a game with a strong personality of its own.
With its release scheduled for March 3, 2026, this could be one of the big surprises of the year. One of those games that redefines the path of upcoming RPGs, demonstrating that what Disco Elysium achieved was not a fluke. That it can be repeated. But it requires curiosity and interest and a desire to do something different with the elements that made the original game great. Because Esoteric Ebb, if it proves anything, is that the formula of Disco Elysium is not exhausted.
ZA/UM, the studio behind the acclaimed RPG Disco Elysium, has announced its next project titled Zero Parades, a spy game scheduled for release in 2026. Although a specific date has not yet been set, the developers have decided to offer players an early glimpse through a free demo that will be available from February 23 to March 16, coinciding with the Steam Next Fest. Although no one from the original studio remains, it remains to be seen what it is about. The demo will allow users to try two missions and explore facets of the intriguing world […]
ZA/UM, the studio behind the acclaimed RPG Disco Elysium, has announced its next project titled Zero Parades, a spy game scheduled for release in 2026. Although a specific date has not yet been set, the developers have decided to give players an early glimpse through a free demo that will be available from February 23 to March 16, coinciding with Steam Next Fest.
Although no one from the original cast remains, we need to see what it’s about
The demo will allow users to try two missions and explore facets of the intriguing game world, which promises to follow a narrative structure similar to that of Disco Elysium, where every decision made by the player will influence the outcome of the story. Zero Parades will focus on a brilliant and tormented worker who must complete his final mission, facing influential NPC contacts, misleading dialogues, and characters with hidden motivations.
However, it is important to note that the team behind Zero Parades does not include the original creators of Disco Elysium. Labor tensions and conflicts over creative control between these developers and ZA/UM led the authors of Disco Elysium to part ways with the studio to found new companies, such as Red Info and Longdue Games. This split has raised questions about the creative direction of the new title and its ability to capture the essence that made Disco Elysium a phenomenon in the industry.
Despite these challenges, ZA/UM continues to move forward with Zero Parades, presenting a 15-minute gameplay video on YouTube that highlights some of the game’s mechanics. Players can expect encounters with “extravagant and questionable” characters in an environment that promises to be both surreal and intriguing, as they prepare to delve into a world full of complex decisions in a game that seeks to recapture the magic of its predecessor, albeit without the original talent at the helm.
Control, considered one of the best games of 2019, has left a significant mark on the world of video games thanks to its unique atmosphere and the fusion of action and horror. This game designed by Remedy Entertainment takes place in a brutalist building called The Oldest House, which has become an icon for its design and visual style. Recently, Control was awarded the Best Environment award, standing out against other notable productions of that year, such as Disco Elysium and Sekiro. An absolutely unbeatable price A tempting offer has caught the attention of players, […]
Control, considered one of the best games of 2019, has left a significant mark on the world of video games thanks to its unique atmosphere and the fusion of action and horror. This game designed by Remedy Entertainment takes place in a brutalist building called The Oldest House, which has become an icon for its design and visual style. Recently, Control was awarded the Best Environment award, standing out against other notable productions of that year, such as Disco Elysium and Sekiro.
An absolutely unbeatable price
A tempting offer has caught the attention of players, as Control is available on Steam at a reduced price of just €3.99, including its Ultimate Edition, which encompasses expansions and additional content. Furthermore, players can find Control bundles at reduced prices, such as the bundle with Alan Wake Origins for €6.07, making this an ideal time to explore the game’s intriguing narrative.
The success of Control has led to the announcement of a sequel titled Control Resonant, expected in 2026. Although much information about the sequel is still unknown, interest in the narrative universe it explores has grown. Control has been compared to the SCP Foundation, suggesting that the game’s theme delves into strange and conspiratorial narratives, attracting an audience that enjoys the unusual and the mysterious.
With its combination of dynamic combat and a captivating setting, Control remains a benchmark for video game lovers. As the release of its sequel approaches, fans have the opportunity to experience all its content at an extremely affordable price, which promises to rekindle interest in this innovative title.
Noclip has begun to release a documentary series dedicated to Disco Elysium, whose deep dive into the creation process is capturing the attention of the game’s fans. The third episode of this series meticulously analyzes the writing process, while the previous episodes explored the founding of the ZA/UM collective and the evolution of the Elysium setting, partly originated from the tabletop role-playing game and Robert Kurvitz’s novel Sacred and Terrible Air. A game that technology could not manage Helen Hindpere, writer of the original game and lead writer of the Final Cut version, […]
Noclip has begun to publish a documentary series dedicated to Disco Elysium, whose deep dive into the creation process is capturing the attention of the game’s fans. The third episode of this series meticulously analyzes the writing process, while the previous episodes explored the foundation of the ZA/UM collective and the evolution of the Elysium setting, partly originated from the tabletop role-playing game and Robert Kurvitz’s novel Sacred and Terrible Air.
A game that technology could not manage
Helen Hindpere, writer of the original game and lead writer of the Final Cut version, highlights that the writing process was exceptionally prolific, which created complications in editing. Hindpere explains that, despite the quality of the content, the amount of dialogue exceeded what the Articy software could handle efficiently. “We had never had the problem of writing too much,” she mentioned, noting that in its early days, the team’s concern was to write enough. However, the challenge transformed into finding time to edit such a rich text loaded with deep themes.
For his part, Märten Rattasepp, another of the writers, noted that developing characters took an unusually long time, with some being written in a month or two, an uncommon approach in RPG development. “No one else writes things that take so long. You need to finish in three days,” he stated, illustrating the team’s dedication to the project.
The Noclip series promises to be a fundamental experience for those interested in video game development and creative writing, showcasing how meticulous attention to detail and ambitious writing can result in a critical masterpiece like Disco Elysium.
The creators of Disco Elysium have left their positions at ZA/UM “involuntarily,” following a takeover by the investor board. This unexpected change has been accompanied by accusations and lawsuits for inappropriate conduct that resulted in the cancellation of several side projects, including one directed by Robert Kurvitz, the lead writer of Disco Elysium. Despite these difficulties, Kurvitz has revealed that his passion for exploring the dark aspects of humanity remains intact, and he plans to develop a new game that delves into the descent of a “successful” character into […]
The creators of Disco Elysium have left their positions at ZA/UM “involuntarily,” following a takeover by the investment board. This unexpected change has been accompanied by accusations and lawsuits for inappropriate conduct that resulted in the cancellation of several side projects, including one directed by Robert Kurvitz, the lead writer of Disco Elysium. Despite these challenges, Kurvitz has revealed that his passion for exploring the dark aspects of humanity remains intact, and he plans to develop a new game that delves into the descent of a “successful” character into failure and suffering.
We thought that was Disco Elysium
As part of the G-Star 2025 event, Kurvitz participated in a talk about storytelling in video games, where he highlighted his bleak vision for his upcoming project. Although details about the game are still scarce and it is in an early stage of development, it seems that the themes of decay and emotional vulnerability that characterized Disco Elysium will be taken to an even rawer and more pessimistic level.
The author described writing as “a very miserable art,” reflecting on how his own anger and sadness were fundamental to the narrative of Disco Elysium. “I had to put political anguish and my own existence into the game,” he stated, highlighting the personal effort required each day to continue with the project. This personal approach intervenes in the treatment of emotional and absurd themes, creating an intense connection with the players.
In 2022, Kurvitz founded a new studio called Red Info along with the lead artist of Disco Elysium, Aleksander Rostov, with financial support from NetEase. As more information about their upcoming title is awaited, fans of his work remain hopeful that the talent and darkness of his narrative will be reflected in this new adventure.
A new vampire RPG titled The Blood of Dawnwalker has captured the attention of video game fans, especially due to its origins with former CD Projekt developers. This game is shaping up to be an intriguing combination of rich narrative and immersive atmosphere that popularized The Witcher 3, while introducing innovations in gameplay mechanics and interactive storytelling. A game that also draws from Disco Elysium and Sekiro The latest trailer, released after the first teaser in June, reveals an interface and musical score that directly evoke the experience of The Witcher 3. The […]
A new vampire RPG titled The Blood of Dawnwalker has captured the attention of video game enthusiasts, especially due to its origins with former CD Projekt developers. This game is shaping up to be an intriguing combination of rich narrative and immersive atmosphere that popularized The Witcher 3, while introducing innovations in gameplay mechanics and interactive storytelling.
A game that also draws from Disco Elysium and Sekiro
The latest trailer, released after the first preview in June, reveals an interface and musical score that directly evoke the experience of The Witcher 3. The medieval city that serves as a backdrop resembles Novigrad, and the protagonist, Coen, has a hairstyle similar to Geralt’s, although with a personal touch as he is brown-haired. Comparisons are inevitable, and despite the familiarity, the developers at Rebel Wolves seem to be aiming to create a distinctive RPG.
Coen has abilities that change depending on the time of day, an element that promises to enrich gameplay and decision-making in missions. For example, vampiric powers can be used at night, allowing players to tackle challenges in various ways. This time mechanic is reminiscent of titles like Disco Elysium, where the progression of the day is based on critical decisions rather than real-time.
Additionally, the game offers multiple paths to approach missions, allowing players to avoid certain confrontations and explore subplots in creative ways. The combat mechanics, which combine Sekiro-style parrying with viscerally detailed assassinations, are presented as precise and fluid, adding a new dimension to the RPG experience.
With its focus on reactivity and flexibility in game development, The Blood of Dawnwalker promises to be a unique experience. Fans can expect its arrival sometime next year and can already add it to their wishlist on Steam.
I think all of us who play video games have the strange feeling that something is wrong. That there is a bubble about to burst that is somehow limping along despite the million-dollar numbers, and it seems like no one is steering in a market increasingly aimed at a consumer and not an active player. If you liked Fortnite, you’ll like these other fifty Fortnites from Hacendado. If you liked Overwatch, we’ve created a hundred identical games without anything that stands out. Have you ever felt this way? Don’t worry: you’re not alone. […]
I think all of us who play video games have the strange feeling that something is wrong. That there is a bubble about to burst that is somehow limping along despite the million-dollar numbers, and it seems that no one is steering in a market increasingly directed at a consumer and not an active player. If you liked Fortnite, you’ll like these other fifty generic Fortnites. If you liked Overwatch, we’ve created a hundred identical games with nothing that stands out. Have you ever felt this way? Don’t worry: you’re not alone.
Do you remember Disco Elysium? It was an amazing game that became a mass phenomenon, and everything seemed to indicate that it was going to give birth to a franchise. Instead, the studio ZA/UM fired almost everyone and they have dispersed into small mini-studios where everyone is waiting to release the spiritual sequel of the game that truly resonates with the audience.
One of them is the screenwriter Dora Klindžić, who, after her experience, is very clear about what is happening: “I think this industry is over. But, luckily for everyone, video games are not.” In fact, the studio she set up afterward, Summer Eternal, aims to fight against the big companies that want to interfere in her art, which is very commendable. We will have to see if she succeeds, because the industry may not be as dead as she claims.
The idea is clear, of course: “I subscribe to the accelerationist view that the only way to achieve better conditions is by entering crises that highlight the contradictions of society and force us to remake the world.” For now, Klindžić has made it clear that his anti-capitalist view of the industry does not necessarily translate into a sequel to Disco Elysium and that, really, no one should expect that as the first game from his studio. But of course, on the other hand… We are all aware that this is exactly what we are going to compare it to, right?
The release of Disco Elysium in 2019 marked an era, demonstrating that role-playing games can be perfectly adapted into a video game, offering different options along the way and featuring a branching story based on decisions that would define the future of the characters. However, its studio, which defined itself as a “cultural association,” has faced numerous problems after the launch, leading to a genuine battle over who are the true creators of the sequel (at least a spiritual one). And here we are. Total sequelitis. Now there are three groups of developers that have emerged from ZA/UM and, more […]
The appearance, in 2019, of Disco Elysium marked an era demonstrating that role-playing games can be perfectly translated into a video game, offering different options along the way and with a river-like story based on decisions that would define the future of the characters. But its studio, which defined itself as a “cultural association,” has faced numerous problems after the launch, leading to a real battle to be the true creators of the sequel (spiritual, at least). And here we are.
There are now three groups of developers who have left ZA/UM and, more specifically, Disco Elysium, who are creating RPGs with the moral dualities and issues that the game presented. The first to act was Longdue, who is creating a “psychogeographic RPG” in which players’ decisions will shape the world. We don’t know much more yet, but Longdue hopes to break away from comparisons and be a completely independent RPG.
But of course, it’s the same expectation at Dark Math Games, where they are making a “real detective game” called XXX Nightshift, in which half of the team are former Disco Elysium workers, including its art director. The game has a trailer and seems to be well advanced.
There is a third contender, Summer Eternal, another studio led, this time, by two of the original writers of the game, who were working on the original sequel of the game before ZA/UM closed its doors. And indeed, as much as we all loved Disco Elysium, it is impossible to deny that behind the curtains lay a realm of terror from which, surprisingly, a great game emerged. What will happen with these three spiritual sequels? Which one will come out on top, if any? Will we ever see this game as the precursor of an entire genre? We can only wait because there are twists and turns ahead.
Disco Elysium was supposed to have an expansion, but now it’s facing layoffs due to the numerous project cancellations at the studio.
Disco Elysium was the 2019 GOTY. And for good reasons. It is the most innovative western RPG of the last decade, a prodigy in terms of art, narrative and design, and it remains an unmatched video game. It is also true that, since its release, everything we have heard from its developers, ZA/UM, has not been good news. And it seems that, in fact, things have gotten worse.
According to Sports Illustrated, ZA/UM has canceled an expansion of Disco Elysium, codenamed X7. However, they have learned that this would be the third project they have paused or indefinitely canceled since the game’s release. A sequel to the original game was canceled in 2022 and a new science fiction IP was indefinitely paused in 2023. Due to this cancellation, there are now 24 employees at ZA/UM at risk of redundancy, which means their jobs could disappear at any time.
This will lead to a restructuring, as stated by the study, to support its two projects still in development. With codenames C4 and M0. Something that has been questioned, given that there have already been several layoffs in the past of key individuals, such as all the people involved in the key positions of the original game’s production.
Considering that the current CEO of ZA/UM is not the same as when Disco Elysium was released and that the franchise IP was taken away from its creators, it is doubtful that this will end well. Or as stated by the lead writer Dora Klindžić, who joined ZA/UM after the new CEOs Ilmar Kompus and Tõnis Haavel came to power, “it was like being born in 90s Yugoslavia: you missed the party and now there’s only bloodshed left”.
The Steam summer sales have arrived and we have made a selection of the best offers, taking into account budgets so that you can choose.
It has arrived that time of the year. The moment when our wallets cry because Gabe Newell decides it’s time to coordinate all the studios in the world to lighten our pockets. We’re talking about the Steam Summer Sale. That’s why, so you don’t get lost in the immense sea of games offered by Steam, we bring you a selection of the best games, divided into different budgets, and why you should play them.
My wallet doesn’t hurt (games of 40 euros or more)
This is the Crown Jewel. No deal is going to be juicier than this. The Steam Deck won’t have a replacement anytime soon, and it has a juicy discount depending on the version you’re interested in. 10% off for the 64GB, 15% off for the 256GB, and 20% off for the 512GB. If you’re considering buying a Steam Deck and have the money, this is the moment to go for it. It’s unlikely that you’ll find it cheaper than this in the near future.
This remake of the 2008 game developed by the sadly defunct EA Redwood Shores is one of the most surprising and chilling horror games of the year. Why? Its use of light and sound takes advantage of next-gen technology to make an already claustrophobic game even more intense. In terms of design, it not only hasn’t aged, but its weaker aspects, specifically the puzzle and exploration elements, have been greatly improved in this remake, which serves as a prime example of how a remake should be done when aiming to stay as faithful as possible to the original. Dead Space, the 2023 version, is the game we remembered in our heads as Dead Space from 2008. An absolute must-play for horror fans.
Although it originally released in Japan in 2014, we never got to see Like a Dragon: Ishin! in the West because Sega believed that no one outside of Japan would be interested in Japanese culture or samurai stories. An utterly incomprehensible thought for any Westerner. After the success of the seventh installment in the Yakuza franchise and its name change to the Japanese title, Like A Dragon, they decided to bring the game’s remaster to PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PC. Gameplay-wise, it may not be as polished as the latest entries in the Yakuza series, but in terms of atmosphere and storytelling, it is an absolute fantasy. It’s a fun and tense game with a narrative full of bewildering twists that will delight fans of Yakuza, fans of samurai stories, and it also serves as a perfect entry point to the beat ’em up aspect of the franchise.
There’s little to say about Call of Duty that hasn’t been said already. Its fans hardly play anything else, while non-fans are unlikely to take interest in a game from the franchise. Sometimes their campaigns are good, other times they are a disaster, but their multiplayer is always excellent. In the case of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, it was one of those instances where the franchise offered us a decent campaign and a particularly polished multiplayer, making it one of the most solid entries in the franchise in recent years. If it has been a while since you played a Call of Duty game and you’re looking for one to invest hours in for the years to come, look no further: this is your Call of Duty.
Let’s not overdo it (Games between 20 and 30 euros).
Cyberpunk was a disastrous game at its launch, but it has gradually managed to redeem itself in the eyes of players. Let’s not deceive ourselves: it’s still not the marvel we were promised, with gameplay that is not always great and a narrative that sometimes stumbles. Does that mean it’s a bad game? Absolutely not. Cyberpunk is an interesting game, with ups and downs that, if we can overlook, provides us with a classic CD Projekt experience and countless hours of gameplay. Furthermore, with the DLC just around the corner, the game’s universe is only going to expand further.
Among arcade-style racing games that still maintain a touch of simulation, it’s undeniable that Forza Horizon 5 is the current king. Continuing with its open-world style, reinforcing the idea of navigating the map and trying out different challenges and events created by other players, it is an extensive and practically infinite game where the act of driving is not the least important, but rather driving in a specific way. The most important thing in Forza Horizon 5 is to enjoy the act of driving. Discovering what brings you joy, seeking it out, and never stopping unless you want to. Because that’s what the franchise is all about: having fun.
Hideo Kojima is one of the great creators in the gaming industry, and for good reason. Aside from creating the Metal Gear Solid series, he has made an indelible mark on the medium with many other games that have pushed the boundaries of what video games can be. Take, for example, Death Stranding. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the main mechanic of the game is walking. And Hideo Kojima manages to make walking fun. It’s a beautiful game, excellently written, and incredibly enjoyable to play.
If you enjoy classic J-RPGs in the vein of Terranigma, Final Fantasy VI, or Chrono Trigger, and you’re itching for something in that style but don’t want to play something retro, look no further. Chained Echoes is a game heavily inspired by 90s Japanese role-playing games, incorporating many quality-of-life features and a modernized approach to the genre. It offers both a nostalgic experience and holds up perfectly to the standards of 2023.
Resident Evil is a franchise that has been delivering great games ever since its triumphant return with Resident Evil 7. Thanks to that, we can now enjoy true masterpieces like the Resident Evil 2 remake for just ten euros, which is an absolute steal. Is the game only a couple of hours long, three at most? Yes, for each of the two main playable characters. That doesn’t even include the Mercenaries mode or any of the other additional content. Not to mention the periodic urge to replay it every now and then with the excuse that, hey, it’s actually quite short.
Disco Elysium is the best RPG released in the last five years, and this is not even up for debate. Narratively superb, artistically astounding, and musically awe-inspiring, it is a true masterpiece. What’s the synopsis? We play as a detective who has been sent to investigate a murder case in a neglected district forgotten by the government. Waking up with a deadly hangover, we don’t remember our names and we don’t have our gun, badge, or pants with us. Does it sound like a comedy? Well, this game will make you laugh as much as it will make you cry.
For strategy fans. For those who want to squeeze every ounce of gameplay. For those who want every euro they spend to translate into the maximum amount of gaming hours. Here it is. The ultimate cathedral of lost hours, the “just one more turn” syndrome, the game that makes you start playing at 5 in the afternoon and when you look at the clock again, it’s already 11 at night. Sid Meier’s Civilization VI follows a long lineage of great games, and its sixth installment does not disappoint in hooking us and never letting us go.
If you don’t have the budget for Call of Duty or have always felt that it lacks something, like more solid campaigns and better individual games, we have excellent news for you. Titanfall 2 has the best campaign of any shooter that has been released in many years, and it costs just a little more than a breakfast in a big city. With fabulous gunplay, amazing weapons, and incredible mech scenes, Titanfall 2 is a game that probably will never have, but deserves, a third installment.
Recommending Vampire Survivors is like recommending slot machines or cocaine. It’s simply not right to do so. Why? Because it’s highly addictive. It’s very straightforward: our character shoots automatically, and we have to move them to destroy enemies that appear in endless waves. But the sound, the lights, the effects—everything is perfect for keeping us in a constant trance-like state. And just when it seems like we’re about to lose ourselves, something pops up on the screen—we’ve gained a power, an attack, something new in this round or on this account. Vampire Survivors is addictive because it’s designed to be that way. Run in the opposite direction. Or dive headfirst.
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