Former Disco Elysium Developers Launch New Studio, Longdue, Focused on Innovative Storytelling

A new UK-based game development studio, Longdue, has been established by a group of former Disco Elysium developers. The team, which includes around a dozen staff members, features talent from renowned studios such as Bungie and Rockstar. Longdue's narrative director, Grant Roberts, is also on board, bringing his expertise to the table. Although the studio is not ready to disclose specific team members, it has confirmed that Robert Kurvitz and Aleksander Rostov, who were involved in a highly publicized dispute with ZA/UM, are not part of the team. The dispute, which began in October 2022 and was resolved in March 2023, had cast a shadow over the critically acclaimed game and its developers. However, Longdue's chair and investor representative, Riaz Moola, emphasizes that the new studio represents a fresh start, unencumbered by past conflicts. 'As a gamer myself, I believe that the tension between art and commerce can be disruptive and hinder creatives from doing what they love,' Moola stated. 'Longdue is an environment where our team can focus on their passion for game development, free from distractions.' The studio is working on a narrative-led RPG that explores the interplay between the conscious and subconscious, featuring a unique 'psychogeographic' mechanic that reshapes the world and characters based on player decisions. While the game draws inspiration from the ideals of intelligent storytelling, psychological depth, and solid world-building, Longdue is committed to innovation and pushing boundaries, rather than replicating existing concepts. Moola explained, 'We're focusing on crafting a world with a constant, meaningful interplay between the protagonist's interior reality and the outer environment. Every decision and thought process leaves a mark, blurring the line between the character and the environment.' With its talented team and ambitious vision, Longdue is poised to make a significant impact in the gaming industry.