### Longdue Studio Unveils Spiritual Successor to *Disco Elysium* on the Game’s Fifth Anniversary
In an exhilarating revelation for RPG enthusiasts, a collective of former developers from ZA/UM, the studio responsible for the critically acclaimed *Disco Elysium*, has announced the establishment of a new studio, **Longdue**. To celebrate the fifth anniversary of *Disco Elysium*, Longdue is developing a fresh role-playing game (RPG) that aims to expand upon the principles of its forerunner while also presenting groundbreaking gameplay mechanics and narrative intricacy. This new initiative is being labeled a “spiritual successor” to *Disco Elysium*, yet it promises its own unique identity and creative vision.
### A New Genre: The Psychogeographical RPG
Longdue’s forthcoming title is being heralded as a **”psychogeographical RPG,”** a phrase that suggests the game’s original method of connecting the character’s mental landscape with the surrounding environment. In this upcoming RPG, players will not only shape the world around them with their choices, but their decisions will also significantly affect the psychological states of the characters. The distinction between consciousness and reality will become indistinct, creating a rich and immersive experience where each action has substantial repercussions.
The developers stress that the game will challenge players both intellectually and emotionally. The narrative will probe the depths of its characters’ minds, examining moral quandaries, existential themes, and emotional strife. This emphasis on the psychological aspect of gameplay marks a natural progression from the design principles showcased in *Disco Elysium*, where the protagonist’s mental condition was integral to the storyline and gameplay mechanics.
### Inspirations from *Disco Elysium* and RPG Classics
Though Longdue’s new venture draws significantly from the creative heritage of *Disco Elysium*, it also finds influence in other classic RPGs such as *Planescape: Torment* and *Ultima*. These titles are renowned for their profound storytelling, elaborate world construction, and narratives shaped by player choices, all of which appear to be central features of Longdue’s forthcoming game.
Nevertheless, the studio is keen to clarify that this new project is **not a direct sequel** to *Disco Elysium*. Rather, it is an independent endeavor that aspires to further expand the horizons of the RPG genre. Grant Roberts, the Narrative Director at Longdue, articulated the team’s vision:
> “We wish to carry forward the legacy of *Disco Elysium* while crafting a new and distinctive experience. Our aim is to narrate a story that deeply explores the psyche of our characters and immerses players in a captivating world filled with moral and emotional tests.”
This assertion indicates that while fans of *Disco Elysium* may recognize familiar elements in the new title, they can also anticipate original ideas and advancements that will differentiate it from its predecessor.
### The Shadow of ZA/UM: Controversies and Creative Departures
The development of Longdue’s new title occurs amid notable controversies relating to ZA/UM, the studio that created *Disco Elysium*. Allegations concerning poor working conditions, internal conflicts, and creative disagreements have complicated the development of a direct sequel to *Disco Elysium*. These complications culminated in the exit of several key figures from the original development team, including lead designer Robert Kurvitz, art director Aleksander Rostov, and writer Helen Hindpere.
Reportedly, tensions at ZA/UM escalated following the studio’s acquisition by new owners, resulting in a shift in creative direction and management practices. Many fans were disheartened to discover that the original team was no longer attached to the potential development of a *Disco Elysium* sequel, leaving the future of the franchise in question.
It is in this context that Longdue was established. The new studio seems to be a reaction to the creative and interpersonal obstacles encountered by the developers at ZA/UM. By creating their own studio, the former *Disco Elysium* developers hope to reclaim creative authority and realize their original vision through a new project. While the controversies surrounding ZA/UM cast a pall over the legacy of *Disco Elysium*, Longdue signifies a renewed beginning for the team and a chance to continue delving into the themes and mechanics that rendered their previous work so resonant.
### What to Anticipate from Longdue’s New RPG
Though details regarding the new game are still limited, the concept of a “psychogeographical RPG” implies that Longdue is striving for an exceptionally experimental and narrative-centric experience. If *Disco Elysium* is any benchmark, players can expect a richly textured world, multifaceted characters, and a narrative that challenges conventional RPG conventions.
The focus on the interplay between a character’s internal world and external surroundings might yield innovative gameplay mechanics that transcend the typical dialogue trees and combat systems commonly found in most RPGs. Instead, players may discover themselves traversing a world where their