Developers at ZA/UM's United Kingdom branch formed the Workers Alliance union with representation from the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain. The group represents the first recognized video game industry union in Britain.
The studio faced controversy after Disco Elysium launched in 2019 when core creative staff departed and accused executives of wrongdoing. Robert Kurvitz claimed the studio was stolen from the original developers and alleged fraud by chief executive Ilmar Kompus in 2022. Kompus responded with accusations that Kurvitz and art director Aleksander Rostov created toxic workplace conditions.
The company canceled three projects and conducted layoffs after the disputes. The former developers of Disco Elysium established separate studios following their departures.
Current ZA/UM employees hope union recognition will improve working conditions at the studio. The team continues development on Zero Parades: For Dead Spies, an espionage role-playing game.
The studio faced controversy after Disco Elysium launched in 2019 when core creative staff departed and accused executives of wrongdoing. Robert Kurvitz claimed the studio was stolen from the original developers and alleged fraud by chief executive Ilmar Kompus in 2022. Kompus responded with accusations that Kurvitz and art director Aleksander Rostov created toxic workplace conditions.
The company canceled three projects and conducted layoffs after the disputes. The former developers of Disco Elysium established separate studios following their departures.
Current ZA/UM employees hope union recognition will improve working conditions at the studio. The team continues development on Zero Parades: For Dead Spies, an espionage role-playing game.
