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In 2019, an emerging Estonian studio named ZA/UM made waves with its debut release on Steam—a game called Disco Elysium. Unlike any other, this isometric RPG drew inspiration from classic titles like Planescape: Torment by focusing heavily on narrative and dialogue rather than combat. Players stepped into the shoes of a troubled detective dealing with alcoholism and amnesia, embarking on a journey to solve a murder in a city weighed down by poverty. Despite its unconventional approach, Disco Elysium became a breakout hit, earning accolades from critics and players alike, and snagging several Game of the Year awards in the process.
Initially, Disco Elysium was exclusive to Windows PCs, but its success prompted ports to other platforms. By 2020, macOS users joined the fray, and the arrival of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut in March 2021 expanded its reach to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and even Google Stadia before its closure. Later that year, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch owners also got to experience this acclaimed RPG. Now, with its extensive platform availability, it seemed ZA/UM had tapped every corner of the gaming landscape, excluding mobile devices. But not for long.
Just this week, ZA/UM surprised fans by announcing the summer 2025 release of Disco Elysium for Android phones. This isn’t just any port, though—it’s a fresh take on the game. Reimagined for vertical screens, this mobile version employs a primarily first-person perspective, transforming the experience into something closer to a point-and-click adventure with its 2D artwork and backgrounds. The design change aims to fit the playstyle of mobile gamers, making it perfect for short play sessions—a godsend for those without time to sit at a console or PC. However, the backdrop of ZA/UM’s internal controversies might leave a sour note for some fans.
The studio has faced criticism regarding the treatment of its employees. Allegations surfaced in October 2022 when a former member revealed that he and several colleagues, including ZA/UM co-founder Robert Kurvitz, were let go the previous year. Kurvitz, the creative force behind Disco Elysium, suggested their dismissals were due to opposition to selling the company and the game’s intellectual property to a holding company owned by ZA/UM’s CEO. The studio denied these claims, arguing that the firings were due to creating a toxic work environment.
Even now, the conflict between ZA/UM and Kurvitz remains unresolved, clouding the narrative around the company. As most of Disco Elysium’s original developers have moved on, opening their own studios, many fans hesitate to support the forthcoming Android port. They fear that doing so might reward the current leadership for the original team’s work, dampening any excitement for this new mobile endeavor.
Regardless of these tensions, Disco Elysium’s impact on the gaming world endures. Known as The Final Cut, it offers a definitive take on the genre with a profound narrative, full voice acting, and a unique role-playing framework. The detective’s story continues to captivate players, inviting them to explore complex characters and moral dilemmas across the vivid, unforgiving world of Revachol. With themes ranging from politics to personal growth, it challenges players to embrace the uncertainty of its sprawling narrative, cementing Disco Elysium as a standout journey in the role-playing genre.
