The events leading up to the cancellation of the standalone expansion, X7, at ZA/UM were tumultuous, to say the least. It all began with the unexpected departure of setting creator and lead ideasman Robert Kurvitz from the studio, followed by other key leads. Insults were exchanged, fraud allegations surfaced, and the situation quickly spiraled into chaos. Despite efforts to resolve the conflicts, the aftermath was far from ideal, with lingering issues and unresolved tensions plaguing the studio.
Following the departure of Kurvitz and other key figures, ZA/UM faced significant setbacks. A full sequel to Disco Elysium was abruptly canceled, and an unrelated sci-fi RPG project was put on hold, only to be later canceled. The cancellation of X7 in February dealt a severe blow to the studio, resulting in layoffs that affected nearly a quarter of the staff. Among those laid off was Argo Tuulik, the lead writer for X7, who found himself at the center of a contentious internal struggle.
One of the most troubling aspects revealed by current and former employees was the “humiliation campaign” orchestrated against Argo Tuulik. Allegedly, Tuulik faced targeted attacks and undermining tactics from studio management as a form of retaliation for his involvement in a documentary the previous year. Fellow lead writer Dora Klindžić described how Tuulik was subjected to a series of degrading actions, including being forced to apologize for his statements in the documentary, having his confidence undermined, and being made to feel inadequate in his role.
The fallout from the cancellation of X7 and the subsequent layoffs had a profound impact on the studio and its employees. Many talented individuals, like Klindžić, had left promising careers to join ZA/UM, only to find themselves in a turbulent and uncertain environment. The loss of key creative personnel, coupled with the cancellation of major projects, raised serious questions about the future of the studio and its ability to recover from such a devastating series of events.
The unfortunate circumstances surrounding ZA/UM and the cancellation of X7 serve as a cautionary tale about the challenges faced by game development studios in a tumultuous industry. The internal strife, management conflicts, and creative struggles highlighted in the PC Gamer report shed light on the complexities and pressures inherent in bringing ambitious projects to life. As fans and industry observers, it is important to recognize the human costs behind the games we love and to advocate for healthier and more sustainable practices within the industry. The lessons learned from the ZA/UM saga should serve as a reminder of the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all those involved in the creative process.