ZA/UM, the studio behind Disco Elysium, has confirmed layoffs affecting up to 32 staff members following the release of Zero Parades: For Dead Spies, citing commercial challenges despite critical praise
ZA/UM, the developer best known for Disco Elysium, has announced a new round of layoffs impacting up to 32 employees across all departments. The decision comes just two months after the studio released Zero Parades: For Dead Spies, which launched on PC and PlayStation 5 in May 2026. Despite receiving positive reviews, the game's sales have reportedly not met the level required to maintain the studio's previous staffing levels.
Layoffs Confirmed by Studio
The UK-based studio made the announcement via its official social media channels, stating that redundancy or at-risk notices have been served to staff members. ZA/UM explained that, while Zero Parades: For Dead Spies was well received by critics, its commercial performance has not been sufficient to support the current size of the team. The affected roles span multiple departments, and the studio has committed to working with its Workers' Alliance union throughout the process.
ZA/UM also noted that the layoffs will alter the structure of the company but insisted that its creative direction and artistic standards remain unchanged. The studio encouraged other employers in the industry to consider those leaving ZA/UM for future opportunities.
Recent History and Studio Challenges
This is not the first time ZA/UM has faced significant internal changes. The studio has experienced a turbulent period since 2022, when several key developers, including Robert Kurvitz, Helen Hindpere, and Aleksander Rostov, were reported to have left the company under disputed circumstances. Subsequent legal action and public allegations of misconduct and shareholder disputes followed, with both sides issuing statements and counterclaims.
In the wake of these events, several new studios have been formed by former ZA/UM staff, such as Dark Math Games, Longdue Games, and Summer Eternal, each announcing their own projects. In 2024, ZA/UM was also reported to have laid off around 24 employees and cancelled a planned standalone expansion for Disco Elysium.
Zero Parades: For Dead Spies Performance
Zero Parades: For Dead Spies launched on 21 May 2026 for PC and PlayStation 5. While it did not reach the critical heights of Disco Elysium, which won multiple awards and received a 9.6/10 from IGN at launch, Zero Parades: For Dead Spies has achieved an 83 critic score on Metacritic. However, this critical reception has not translated into the commercial success needed to sustain the studio's previous headcount.
The studio has not provided specific sales figures for Zero Parades: For Dead Spies, but the decision to reduce staff numbers suggests that revenue from the new release fell short of expectations. ZA/UM has not announced any changes to its current or future projects as a result of these layoffs.
What Remains Uncertain
It is not yet clear how the layoffs will affect ongoing support for Zero Parades: For Dead Spies or any unannounced projects in development at ZA/UM. The studio has stated its intention to maintain its creative standards, but has not detailed its future release plans or whether further restructuring may be required. The long-term impact on the studio's output and the fate of its existing intellectual properties remain to be seen.
Layoffs in the games industry often follow the commercial performance of recent releases. When a studio's latest title does not generate enough revenue to cover ongoing costs, companies may be forced to reduce staff or restructure. This can affect not only current projects but also the pace and scope of future development, as well as the availability of post-launch support and updates for released games.
