# **Hopetown and C4: Two New RPGs Unveiled Simultaneously by Ex-Disco Elysium Developers**
Enthusiasts of **Disco Elysium**, the widely praised RPG from 2019, have been anticipating updates about a spiritual continuation. In an unexpected twist, not one but **two** projects from ex-Disco Elysium developers have been announced at the same time.
The titles, **Hopetown** and **C4**, are in development by distinct studios—**Longdue** and **ZA/UM**, respectively. Both games aim to deliver profound narratives and original role-playing mechanics, while simultaneously vying for the interest of fans following the legal and creative challenges surrounding the original title’s heritage.
Here’s all we currently know about these two compelling projects.
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## **Hopetown: A “Journalist RPG” from Longdue**
Longdue, a newly established studio by former ZA/UM team members, has introduced **Hopetown**, branding it as a **”journalist RPG”** featuring a **”psycho-geographical”** element.
### **What is Hopetown About?**
The story unfolds in an enigmatic town filled with hidden truths, housing a mine that “consumes the past.” Players step into the shoes of a journalist straddling the delicate balance between **discovery and destruction**. The environment of Hopetown is expected to evolve based on the **feelings, ideas, and drives** of the player’s character.
This indicates that someone who plays with skepticism and rationality will experience a different scenario than one who indulges in outlandish conspiracies. This innovative narrative style has the potential to create a truly **distinct and replayable** RPG experience.
### **First Look and Crowdfunding**
A teaser trailer has been unveiled, providing a quick look at the game’s style and atmosphere. Longdue originally announced a **Kickstarter initiative** to support the game’s funding, but later removed the tweet that referenced it. Nevertheless, it is widely assumed that crowdfunding will remain a key component of the game’s development.
### **Who is Behind Hopetown?**
Two prominent figures from **Disco Elysium** are part of Hopetown:
– **Martin Luiga** – Co-founder of ZA/UM and a writer for Disco Elysium.
– **Lenval Brown** – The renowned narrator of Disco Elysium, whose voice infused life into the game’s internal dialogues.
### **Release Date**
Currently, **no release date** has been announced for Hopetown.
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## **C4: ZA/UM’s Next RPG**
At the same time, ZA/UM—responsible for the original **Disco Elysium**—has disclosed its new endeavor, **C4**.
### **What is C4 About?**
C4 is another **RPG**, but rather than delving into investigative journalism, it centers on **espionage**. Players will move through a landscape rife with **conflicting factions**, revealing secrets and participating in psychological confrontations.
Similar to Hopetown, C4 will also feature **a strong emphasis on the player’s mindset**, although specifics about its execution remain limited.
### **Gameplay and Mechanics**
One confirmed element is the integration of a **dice mechanic**, indicating that C4 will maintain some of the tabletop-inspired unpredictability that made Disco Elysium so captivating.
### **Who is Developing C4?**
ZA/UM has experienced significant changes since **Disco Elysium**’s release. Many original creators, including lead designer **Robert Kurvitz**, have exited the studio amid legal issues. However, some of the team members who contributed to the original game are still with ZA/UM and are part of C4’s development.
### **Release Date**
Like Hopetown, **C4 does not have a set release date** at this time.
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## **A Tale of Two Successors**
The simultaneous unveiling of **Hopetown** and **C4** is not merely coincidental. The two projects illustrate **competing concepts** of what a spiritual successor to **Disco Elysium** ought to be.
– **Hopetown** is in the hands of **former ZA/UM personnel** who were integral to the original creative team.
– **C4** is being crafted by **ZA/UM**, though under new leadership.
This split has ignited considerable discussion among fans. Some assert that **Hopetown** will embody the true essence of **Disco Elysium**, while others are eager to explore what **ZA/UM** can accomplish with **C4**, despite the exit of key individuals.
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## **Which Game Will Be the True Successor?**
Given that both games are still in the preliminary stages of development, it’s premature to determine which will recapture the enchantment of **Disco Elysium**. However, one thing is clear: aficionados of intricate, narrative-rich RPGs have **two thrilling