Longdue: A New Narrative-First RPG Studio Emerges
A spiritual successor to Disco Elysium is now in development by the leads of its cancelled sequel. The newly formed independent studio, Longdue, is composed of former staff from ZA/UM, the studio behind Disco Elysium, as well as developers from renowned companies like Bungie and Rockstar.
What Sets Longdue Apart
Longdue’s debut game will introduce a groundbreaking “psychogeographic RPG” mechanic. This innovative approach will allow players to make decisions within the narrative that will have a tangible impact on the game world and its characters. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Disco Elysium, Planescape: Torment, and other classic RPGs, Longdue aims to create a narrative-driven experience where player choices drive the story forward.
Grant Roberts on Longdue’s Vision
“At Longdue, we’re deeply influenced by the rich history of RPGs, ranging from Ultima and Wizardry to Fallout and Planescape, not to mention the beloved Disco Elysium,” shared Grant Roberts, the studio’s narrative director. “Our upcoming title will delve into the intricate relationship between internal emotions and external environments, offering players a truly immersive experience that pushes the boundaries of storytelling in games.”
Financial Backing and Future Developments
Private investor Riaz Moola expressed excitement about supporting Longdue’s creative vision and the development of a new breed of narrative-focused video game. While specific details about the game, including its release date and supported platforms, remain under wraps, the studio’s artwork teases a visually captivating world.
Upcoming Milestones and Industry Rivalries
Longdue’s announcement aligns with the approaching fifth anniversary of Disco Elysium. However, the studio’s revelation coincides with a competitive landscape as former developers unveil XXX Nightshift, a project from Dark Math Games, a group that splintered from the original Disco Elysium team. This rivalry hints at underlying tensions within the development cycle of Disco Elysium, marked by legal disputes, allegations of misconduct, and workforce reductions following the cancellation of a planned expansion.
Conclusion
The dawn of Longdue promises a fresh perspective on narrative-driven RPGs, building on the success of games like Disco Elysium while exploring new storytelling frontiers. As the industry anticipates the unveiling of Longdue’s inaugural title, players can expect an immersive experience that transcends traditional RPG conventions.
FAQs
Q: When can we expect Longdue’s first game to be released?
A: Specific details regarding Longdue’s debut title, including its release date and supported platforms, have not been disclosed yet.
Q: How does Longdue plan to differentiate itself from other narrative-focused RPG studios?
A: Longdue’s emphasis on the “psychogeographic RPG” mechanic, coupled with a narrative-first approach inspired by classic RPGs, aims to offer players a unique and immersive storytelling experience.
Q: What led to the establishment of Longdue as an independent studio?
A: The formation of Longdue stemmed from a collective vision to create narrative-driven games that push the boundaries of storytelling in the video game industry, drawing talent from renowned studios and industry veterans.
Credit: www.eurogamer.net
