Disco Elysium Developer ZA/UM Confirms Misconduct Led to Employee Terminations

The Estonian game development studio ZA/UM, known for the critically acclaimed title Disco Elysium, has officially confirmed reports of misconduct among its former senior employees. This confirmation comes after an Estonian press report highlighted instances of mismanagement and inappropriate behavior within the company. In a statement provided to GamesIndustry.biz, ZA/UM detailed the reasons behind the recent dismissals of key team members, including Robert Kurvitz, Helen Hindpere, and Aleksander Rostov, without naming specific individuals. According to the studio, the terminated employees were guilty of neglecting their responsibilities, fostering a toxic work environment, engaging in verbal abuse and gender discrimination, and attempting to sell ZA/UM's intellectual property illegally. ZA/UM's CEO, Ilmar Kompus, spoke to Estonian newspaper Estonian Ekspress, describing the studio's experience with a 'toxic environment' and accusing Kurvitz and another individual, known by the alias 'Saandar Taal' (later confirmed to be Aleksander Rostov), of humiliating colleagues and attempting to steal intellectual property. Kompus emphasized that despite previous respect for Kurvitz, his behavior, including belittling women and coworkers, was unacceptable and necessitated his termination. The situation within the studio has been described by sources as complex, with long-term staff members hesitant to speak out against Kurvitz due to their respect for him and feelings of obligation. Newer staff members, however, felt uncomfortable with the situation but lacked a clear understanding of its history. ZA/UM has denied rumors that the decision to fire these employees was motivated by financial gain, stating that the vast majority of profits from Disco Elysium have been reinvested into the studio for future projects. The studio is moving forward, having tripled in size over the past year, and is focused on its upcoming projects, committed to maintaining a culture of professionalism, kindness, and fairness.