ZA/UM, the developer best known for Disco Elysium, has announced a significant reduction in its workforce. In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter) on July 17, 2026, the UK-based studio confirmed that it has issued redundancy or at-risk notices to as many as 32 employees.

This news arrives just two months after the May 21, 2026, launch of the studio's latest project, Zero Parades: For Dead Spies. While the title holds an 83 rating on Metacritic, the studio noted that the game's commercial performance fell short of what was required to maintain the current size of the development team.

Quick Facts

  • Affected Staff: Up to 32 employees across all departments.
  • Announcement Date: July 17, 2026.
  • Game Launch: Zero Parades: For Dead Spies released on May 21, 2026.
  • Platforms: PC and PS5.

Impact on Studio Structure

In its official communication, ZA/UM stated that it is currently consulting with members of the Workers' Alliance union regarding the layoffs. The studio described the process as "difficult" and noted that while these changes will alter the shape of the company, it plans to continue its operations with the remaining staff.

"Their work has made a lasting difference and left its mark on Zero Parades: For Dead Spies, and the studio as a whole," the message read. The developer added that it is actively encouraging other hiring studios to consider the departing team members for future roles.

A History of Instability

Today’s announcement follows a turbulent period for the studio. In 2024, ZA/UM underwent a previous round of layoffs that impacted approximately 24 employees and resulted in the cancellation of a standalone Disco Elysium expansion.

These operational challenges follow years of internal conflict. In October 2022, high-profile staff members including writer and designer Robert Kurvitz, writer Helen Hindpere, and art and design lead Aleksander Rostov left the studio. Subsequent legal proceedings saw Kurvitz and Rostov accuse shareholders Ilmar Kompus and Tõnis Haavel of Tütreke OÜ of obtaining control of the studio through fraud—an allegation that ZA/UM has denied, having launched its own accusations of misconduct against the former employees.

Since that split, several new studios formed by former ZA/UM developers have emerged, including Dark Math Games, Longdue Games, and the team behind Summer Eternal.