UM Announces Layoffs Affecting Up to 32 Staff

Key Points:

• ZA/UM, the UK-based developer behind Disco Elysium, announced layoffs affecting up to 32 employees across all departments just two months after releasing Zero Parades: For Dead Spies due to the game's underwhelming commercial performance despite critical acclaim.
• The studio emphasized that the layoffs will reshape ZA/UM but not alter its artistic standards or core mission, and it will work with its Workers' Alliance union during the process.
• ZA/UM has faced significant turmoil since 2022, including the involuntary departure of key developers, a lawsuit alleging fraudulent control of the company, and the emergence of spinoff studios by former staff.
• Previous layoffs occurred in 2024, impacting around 24 employees, and a planned standalone Disco Elysium expansion was canceled amid ongoing instability.
• Disco Elysium remains critically acclaimed with multiple awards and high review scores, while Zero Parades holds a respectable 83 on Metacritic but failed to meet commercial expectations.