In the aftermath of the cancellation of the standalone expansion X7 for Disco Elysium, ZA/UM studio faced a wave of turmoil that led to significant layoffs and a troubling ordeal involving writer Argo Tuulik. The initial success of Disco Elysium was marred by internal conflicts that eventually resulted in key creative talent leaving the studio, setting the stage for the series of events that followed.
Following the departure of lead ideasman Robert Kurvitz and other key figures from the studio, projects like the full sequel to Disco Elysium and an unrelated sci-fi RPG were either put on pause or canceled altogether. The cancellation of the X7 expansion in February also coincided with the layoff of nearly a quarter of the studio’s staff, including lead writer Argo Tuulik. This decision was met with mixed reactions from current and former employees, with some expressing resentment and disillusionment towards the management.
One of the more disturbing aspects of the fallout at ZA/UM was the alleged “humiliation campaign” targeted at writer Argo Tuulik. According to fellow X7 lead writer Dora Klindić, Tuulik was subjected to a series of actions designed to undermine his confidence and question his capabilities. This included being forced to apologize for his participation in a documentary and being demoted within the studio. The treatment of Tuulik and the subsequent impact on the morale of the team shed light on the toxic dynamics at play within the company.
As the dust settled on the aftermath of the cancellation and layoffs at ZA/UM, the ripple effects continued to be felt among the remaining staff. With projects shelved and talent leaving the studio, the future of the once-promising game development company appeared uncertain. The disillusionment and discontent among employees reflected a bigger issue within the industry, where creative vision clashed with corporate interests.
The fallout at ZA/UM following the cancellation of the Disco Elysium expansion X7 serves as a cautionary tale of the challenges faced by creative industries. The internal conflicts, layoffs, and alleged mistreatment of employees highlight the fragile balance between artistic integrity and commercial success. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is essential for companies to prioritize the well-being of their employees and foster a supportive and inclusive work environment to avoid similar incidents in the future.
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