{"title": "ZA/UM Unveils Trailer for Next RPG Project Following Disco Elysium Success", "body": ["ZA/UM Studio, known for developing Disco Elysium, has released a trailer showcasing its forthcoming role-playing game, Zero Parades: For Dead Spies. This marks the initial substantial glimpse into the title, following a cryptic preview from the previous year when it bore the working name Project C4." , "The game presents a distinctive sci-fi role-playing experience reminiscent of Disco Elysium, featuring an artistic approach inspired by scrapbooks. Described as a 'psychedelic espionage RPG,' it appears to focus extensively on elements of covert operations, and the footage suggests an intriguing aesthetic." , "The reveal comes as a surprise launch, with the PC version set to release on May 21, only two weeks away. A PlayStation 5 edition is planned for sometime later in the year. Development has remained largely under wraps since the departure of the key personnel responsible for Disco Elysium." , "Among those who left were the game's creator Robert Kurvitz, art director Aleksander Rostov, and writer Helen Hindpere. In 2022, the studio's updated management dismissed them amid claims of inappropriate behavior and efforts to misappropriate intellectual property. Notably, Kurvitz authored the book that served as the foundation for Disco Elysium." , "Legal actions ensued, and Kurvitz along with Rostov established their independent venture. They denied the intellectual property violation charges and, in a public statement, attributed their dismissals to an inquiry linked to the studio's acquisition by Estonian investors Ilmar Kompus and Tõnis Haavel. The pair had prior convictions for financial fraud and faced criticism for fostering an unwelcoming atmosphere toward female staff." , "A former writer on Disco Elysium shared with PC Gamer, 'I'm aware of at least five women who departed or were pushed out of the studio after the game's release, citing Tõnis Haavel as a significant influence. There are no women holding creative leadership roles, and overall female representation in management remains minimal.'"], "Additional ex-ZA/UM staff have launched Longdue, which is developing Hopetown as a thematic continuation of Disco Elysium's style. Updates on that project have been scarce lately. With just two weeks remaining, players can soon assess whether ZA/UM retains its creative vitality amid the recent controversies. Zero Parades: For Dead Spies is priced at $40 and will launch digitally on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and GOG."]}