# ZA/UM Studio Announces Layoffs Following Zero Parades' Weak Performance Creators of Disco Elysium cut 32 staff due to commercial failure of their latest game. - **Source:** [Engadget](https://www.engadget.com) - **Published:** 2026-07-18 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/6d2cbe46-5666-42b6-ae2a-318b54f346c5 ## ZA/UM's Unexpected Decision ZA/UM Studio, creator of Disco Elysium, has laid off 32 employees across all departments following the disappointing commercial performance of Zero Parades: For Dead Spies released in May. The studio cited unsustainable operational costs. ## Game's Underwhelming Reception According to SteamDB, Zero Parades: For Dead Spies peaked at just 3,177 concurrent players at launch, with numbers declining rapidly. The studio stated this performance couldn't support their current team size. ## Disco Elysium's Legacy and Aftermath After Disco Elysium's 2019 success, ZA/UM faced turmoil including core team dismissals, IP lawsuits, and workplace allegations. Former employees later founded a new studio called Longdue, working on another narrative-driven project. ## Industry-Wide Trend Continues The gaming industry's 2024 layoff wave now impacts indie studios. Following cuts at EA, Microsoft and Sony, ZA/UM's downsizing reflects broader financial pressures across the sector during post-pandemic market corrections. ## Ongoing Worker Dialogue Despite layoffs, ZA/UM management emphasized continued consultation with ZA/UM Workers' Alliance representatives. The studio committed to transparent processes protecting employee rights during restructuring. ## Creative Industry's Fragility This case demonstrates how even successful games don't guarantee studio stability. The tension between creative achievement and commercial sustainability remains a fundamental challenge for game developers worldwide. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.engadget.com/2218116/disco-elysium-studio-za-um-layoffs-after-launch-zero-parades/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._