ZA/UM Forms Workers Alliance Union for Disco Elysium and Zero Parades Developers at UK Branch

ZA/UM UK Establishes First Recognized Games Industry Union

A recent announcement on the IWGB Game Workers website alongside an interview with developers from ZA/UM on GamesIndustry. Biz has revealed that the Workers Alliance at ZA/UM UK has become the first officially recognized union in the UK game industry. This milestone is a significant step forward for game developers seeking workplace representation and rights.

Today we’re celebrating a historic win for our Game Workers Branch: the UK’s first recognised games industry union!With this hard fought achievement, @IWGB_GW has forged a path forward for game workers across the country to build their own workplace power.https://t.co/8P91kKsTRD pic.twitter.com/wlySVqbND6

— IWGB (@IWGBunion) October 2, 2025

Poppy Ingham, the marketing manager at ZA/UM UK, expressed support for the initiative, stating, “We believe we have something truly special here that we intend to protect and enhance over the coming years.”Similarly, UI/UX designer Declan Keane noted the strong community within the studio, emphasizing that the union aims to capitalize on that unique culture. He remarked, “Rather than just focusing on the immediate future, we will leverage our existing strengths and collaborate intensely. I aspire to see the games that this wonderful team creates.”

Challenges and Controversies Post-Disco Elysium Release

The establishment of this union follows a turbulent period for ZA/UM, particularly after the release of the critically acclaimed game, Disco Elysium, in 2019. The studio faced substantial turmoil as key creatives distanced themselves from the company amid allegations of being forced out by executive management. Robert Kurvitz, the game’s director, publicly lamented the loss of his vision for the studio in an open letter to gamers in 2022.

Legal Battles and Departures

Furthermore, Kurvitz accused CEO Ilmar Kompus of fraudulent practices, which sparked a series of counter-accusations, including claims of a toxic work environment leveled at Kurvitz and art director Aleksander Rostov. This escalating conflict has led to ongoing lawsuits that have yet to find resolution.

The Aftermath: New Studios and Cancellations

In the wake of these events, the studio saw the emergence of two deep-dive documentaries produced by People Make Games, which sought to clarify the events unfolding at ZA/UM. The studio also faced three project cancellations, including a sequel to Disco Elysium and an expansion that resulted in layoffs, prompting key members of the original creative team to branch off and form new studios.

A Hopeful Future for Workers at ZA/UM

Currently, the focus for the remaining ZA/UM workforce—many of whom contributed to the original Disco—is on fostering a supportive and constructive work environment. Despite mixed reviews from former staff regarding studio conditions, Ingham and other union members are optimistic that the formation of the union marks a turning point.

Ingham articulated a forward-looking vision for ZA/UM: “Our aim is to sustain our current operations while ensuring a secure atmosphere, empowered by the union’s establishment. We want to challenge management effectively to ensure ZA/UM stands out as the premier workplace in the industry, advocating for our staff and nurturing the talent we cultivate here.”

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