Disco Elysium Mobile: A Bittersweet Release for Fans

Back in 2019, a relatively unknown Estonian developer, ZA/UM, made waves with their debut release on Steam: Disco Elysium. This isometric, narrative-driven RPG drew inspiration from thought-provoking predecessors like Planescape: Torment, setting itself apart with a focus on dialogue and storytelling over combat. The game introduces players to an alcoholic, amnesiac detective tasked with solving a murder in a struggling city, all while grappling with his troubled past. Despite its unconventional approach, Disco Elysium became a surprise hit, winning over players and critics alike and nabbing several Game of the Year accolades.

Initially exclusive to Windows PCs, Disco Elysium broadened its reach over the years. In 2020, a macOS version was released, followed by The Final Cut enhanced edition launching on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and the now-closed Google Stadia in March 2021. That same year, it also arrived on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and the Nintendo Switch. Thanks to these adaptations, Disco Elysium is available on nearly every major gaming platform, with mobile devices being the notable exception—until now.

ZA/UM recently announced the upcoming arrival of Disco Elysium on Android phones, slated for summer 2025. The mobile version, however, promises more than a simple port. It’s been reimagined to suit vertical phone screens, transforming the user experience with a first-person perspective and replacing the original 3D environments with 2D art and backgrounds. This iteration leans towards a point-and-click adventure feel, diverging from its RPG roots.

The new format is tailored for quick play sessions, making it ideal for fans who prefer gaming on the go without committing hours at a stretch. It’s a fresh take that may entice those eager to revisit Disco Elysium. However, this release comes amidst ongoing controversies tied to ZA/UM’s internal upheavals, which could deter some fans.

ZA/UM has faced criticism for alleged mistreatment of employees crucial to the game’s development. In October 2022, a former team member disclosed that he, along with the studio’s co-founder Robert Kurvitz and others, were forced out a year earlier. Kurvitz, who was instrumental in designing and writing Disco Elysium, claimed their dismissal stemmed from opposition to selling ZA/UM and its IP to a holding company helmed by CEO Ilmar Kompus. The company countered these allegations by citing workplace toxicity.

The ongoing disputes between ZA/UM and Kurvitz remain unresolved, clouding the Android port’s launch. Many of the original team members have since moved on to new ventures, leaving longtime fans hesitant to support a project under the current leadership that may not reflect the spirit of the original team. Consequently, what could have been a celebrated expansion of Disco Elysium into the mobile realm is overshadowed by the lingering drama surrounding its creators.