Disco Elysium. What really happened behind the scenes
Summary
This episode of Released follows writer Argo Tulik’s journey from his teenage years with the "Overcoats" to his departure from the Disco Elysium studio. It details the toxic management practices at Zaum, the cancellation of the game's sequel, and Tulik’s subsequent firing after founding his own studio, Summer Eternal. The story culminates in his legal battle and financial ruin, leading to a desperate road trip across Europe with his partner and cats.
Topics discussed
Cold open: The legal battle and escape to Europe
Episode intro, disclaimers, and announcements
Argo's youth and the formation of the Overcoats group
Building the Elysium world and early tabletop sessions
Leaving the BMW junkyard to join Zaum as a writer
Disco Elysium development, crunch, and Dora's arrival
Cancellation of the sequel and launch of Project C4
Confrontation with management and the X7 concept pitch
Zaum's dissolution and the development of X7
Stripping of authority and internal studio conflict
Leadership disputes and the failed vacation reset
Final crunch, union outreach, and management retaliation
X7 cancellation, resignation, and legal threats
Founding Summer Eternal and the GoFundMe campaign
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