Disco Elysium studio bosses humiliated the cancelled expansion's lead writer for speaking to journalists, claims report

The exit of key creative figures like Robert Kurvitz, Rostov, and Hindpere had a significant impact on the studio and its projects. Following their departure, a ZA/UM spokesperson stated that the "development of Disco Elysium was and still is a collective effort, with every team member's contribution essential and valued as part of a greater whole." However, the loss of such core members may have a negative impact on the studio's future projects, especially given the roles that Kurvitz, Rostov, and Hindpere played in creating and building the Elysium world.

In his post, Martin Luiga called their departure "bad news for the loving fans that are waiting for the Disco sequel." It is now really interesting to see what the future holds for ZA/UM, as well as for Kurvitz, Rostov, and Hindpere.

Several accusations were made against ZA/UM's CEO, Ilmar Kompus, and other company leaders regarding their treatment of employees1. These accusations include:

1. Creating a toxic work environment: Fired employees, including game director Robert Kurvitz and art director Aleksander Rostov, claimed that the work environment under Kompus and other leaders turned toxic, with verbal abuse and gender discrimination taking place6.

2. Misconduct towards other employees: Kurvitz and Rostov alleged that they were fired for attempting to obtain documents and financial data, but ZA/UM's CEO accused them of ignoring responsibilities, mistreating colleagues, and attempting to illegally sell the company's intellectual property6.

3. Humiliation campaign: Writer Argo Tuulik was reportedly subjected to a humiliation campaign, which involved being made to apologize for his comments in a People Make Games interview and being undermined to the point of self-doubt.

4. Illegal takeover of the company: Kurvitz and Rostov claimed that Kompus and another investor, Tõnis Haavel, used the company's funds to fraudulently gain a majority stake in ZA/UM and subsequently fired the original team members36.

5. Lack of transparency and accountability: Employees expressed concerns about the lack of information and financial data provided by the company leadership, leading to suspicions of financial mismanagement and fraud.