Key Takeaways
- Disco Elysium’s studio ZA/UM faced backlash after posting a sixth anniversary message online.
- Fans flooded the post with criticism and profanity, citing the ousting of the game’s creators in 2022.
- Co-creators Robert Kurvitz, Aleksander Rostov, and Helen Hindpere were removed from ZA/UM under controversial circumstances.
- Allegations claimed the majority stake was acquired using misappropriated studio funds.
- Disco Elysium remains a critically acclaimed 2019 indie RPG, winner of four Game Awards.
Fans Lash Out at ZA/UM Anniversary Post
What should have been a celebratory moment turned sour for ZA/UM, the studio behind Disco Elysium. On October 17, 2025, the company posted a message on the game’s official X (formerly Twitter) account thanking fans for six years of support. Instead of congratulations, the post was met with a flood of angry and profane comments from fans still upset over the studio’s treatment of the original creators.
Many commenters accused the studio of hypocrisy, with replies reminding ZA/UM that they had fired the developers who made the game possible. Others bluntly stated that the company had “ruined” Disco Elysium for them, reigniting a controversy that has lingered for years.
The 2022 Ousting Scandal
The outrage stems from events dating back to October 2022, when co-creators Robert Kurvitz, Aleksander Rostov, and Helen Hindpere were forced out of ZA/UM. Later that month, Kurvitz and Rostov published a blog post alleging that their removal was carried out through fraudulent means.
According to their statement, the funds used to acquire a controlling stake in ZA/UM were illegally taken from the company itself, an act potentially punishable by up to three years in prison. The pair also claimed that one of those involved had previously been convicted of investor fraud.
“The company we built has been looted,” their post read, “while our own earnings are insufficient even to cover legal fees.”
Also read :Marvel Rivals unveils first-ever PvE mode, Marvel Zombies, releasing next week
A Legacy Overshadowed by Controversy
Released in 2019, Disco Elysium was hailed as a masterpiece of narrative design, earning four awards at The Game Awards 2019 and establishing itself as one of the most influential RPGs of its era. Yet six years later, the ongoing dispute between fans and ZA/UM continues to cloud its legacy — turning what should have been a milestone celebration into another flashpoint in gaming’s most contentious studio fallout.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of GameDegen.com. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. GameDegen.com is not responsible for any financial losses.
