Zero Parades: Anticipation Shifts After Disco Elysium
In 2020, the announcement of a new game titled Zero Parades from ZA/UM would have generated considerable enthusiasm, especially following the studio’s acclaimed success with Disco Elysium. This debut had positioned ZA/UM as a pioneering force in narrative-driven gaming, leaving fans eager to see what innovations they would explore next.
Fast forward to today, and my anticipation has transformed into cautious interest. My excitement has tempered not due to skepticism about the title itself, but rather because of the shifts within the gaming landscape since Disco Elysium‘s release. The emergence of numerous new studios over the past six years, coupled with serious allegations surrounding ZA/UM’s management and its original creative talents, have cast a shadow over this latest endeavor.
Team Changes and Legacy Challenges
It is widely acknowledged that many foundational members of the original ZA/UM team—responsible for crafting the immersive world of Disco Elysium—have since departed. The absence of the core writers from the influential 2019 title raises questions about continuity in creative vision. The departures have been anything but amicable, leading fans to realize that Zero Parades is not crafted entirely by the original architects of its predecessor.
However, some veterans remain at the studio, including writer and voice director Jim Ashilevi, who has been integral to ZA/UM from its inception. Recently, Ashilevi, alongside producer Jess Crawford, provided insights into Zero Parades and showcased some early gameplay featuring the lead character, Hershel Wilk, and a novel gameplay mechanic referred to as “Dramatic Encounters.”
Anticipation and Initial Visibility
The first hints of Zero Parades emerged in March 2025 through its codename, C4. It wasn’t until Gamescom 2025 that we encountered the official trailer, heralding the game’s release under its current title. Notably, this is a distinct intellectual property, separate from the universe of Disco Elysium, featuring an entirely new cast, although there are unmistakable stylistic echoes of the previous game.
Observer reactions reveal that while Zero Parades showcases its own identity, it undoubtedly carries the *DNA* of Disco Elysium, especially in visual aesthetics and themes, largely due to the talents still involved in its development.
Influences and Character Development
Zero Parades is designed as an espionage-inspired CRPG, drawing upon classic espionage literature, notably the works of John le Carré and Mick Herron, while also incorporating elements of science fiction from authors such as Phillip K. Dick and Ursula K. Le Guin. Ashilevi noted the influence of Korean cinema, specifically highlighting the craftsmanship of Park Chan-wook as a significant reference point.
The protagonist, Hershel Wilk, diverges from the traditional archetype of the suave detective. Instead, she embodies a complex, deeply flawed secret agent, described as “brilliant, magnetic, and relentless.”Crawford has dubbed her “the anti-James Bond, ”emphasizing that Hershel’s world is less about glamour and more rooted in the gritty realities of being a spy. She navigates a murky landscape of deception and pretense, illustrating one of the game’s core themes: ’embracing failure.’
The Core Political Mystery and Personal Stakes
In the narrative framework, Hershel is not merely a spy; her official designation is ‘Operant, ’ and she works for Superbloc—a coalition of communist nations—under an espionage division known as ‘Opera.’ As she grapples with her mission in the island city-state of Portofiro, the story delves into profound themes of betrayal, regret, and redemption stemming from her past actions that led to the betrayal of her team.
The personal stakes heighten as Hershel must reconcile with her former comrades while attempting to regain their trust amidst a backdrop of political machinations. In Ashilevi’s words, “It’s a story about failure and crippling regret, ”as the narrative explores the heavy emotional toll on an individual caught within the grip of external political turmoil and the internal conflict stemming from past transgressions.
“It’s not only a game where you solve a complicated mystery that is external to you, it’s also a game where you take a deeper dive into your own psyche.”- Jim Ashilevi
Innovative Gameplay Mechanics
ZA/UM has introduced a distinctive gameplay element called Conditioning, allowing players to shape their version of Hershel throughout the narrative. Players will navigate the moral implications of choices, deciding whether to reinforce or punish certain thoughts, which impact character modifiers and overall gameplay.
The game also features mechanics that track Hershel’s physical and mental well-being, reflecting conditions such as fatigue and anxiety. Engaging in challenging tasks or participating in social interactions, for example, has tangible effects on her performance, adding layers of strategy to gameplay.
With Dramatic Encounters, the game injects moments of action into an otherwise narrative-focused experience. Players will encounter pivotal decision points that require quick thinking and strategic choices, underscoring the theme of accepting the outcomes, whether successful or otherwise. Notably, the character’s attire influences gameplay dynamics, granting access to specific dialogue options or making interactions easier depending on the chosen outfit.
A New Era for ZA/UM
As I wrap up this preview of Zero Parades, my interest has evolved—shifting from initial excitement to contemplation over the studio’s evolution. Given the backdrop of recent turmoil within ZA/UM and its creative team, there is a palpable sense of pressure surrounding this project as it endeavors to demonstrate that the studio still possesses the creative magic that captivated players in 2019.
Through this new chapter, ZA/UM faces the challenge of redefining its identity beyond the original team, amidst ongoing legal disputes and contrasting expectations. While my observations from the recent presentation did not reveal any negative indicators, the ultimate success of Zero Parades remains to be seen—and it carries the weight of history on its shoulders.
In essence, Zero Parades holds the potential to emerge as one of the most impactful narrative experiences since Disco Elysium. Yet, only through extensive gameplay will we truly gauge its depth and resonance within the gaming community.
As game development is inherently collaborative, the true merits of Zero Parades will stem from the collective efforts of those at ZA/UM. While it is indisputable that the studio’s essence extends beyond its original writers, a failure to deliver an engaging experience could lead to criticisms of lost innovation—an identity that may prove difficult to escape.
Despite the challenges ahead, I remain hopeful that ZA/UM possesses the determination to reclaim its once-celebrated status.Zero Parades is slated for release on PC and PS5 in 2026, and with it, an opportunity for the studio to redefine itself at a critical juncture in gaming history.
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