The highly anticipated spiritual successor to *Disco Elysium* has been announced from Summer Eternal, an “art collective/RPG studio” founded by former developers of the acclaimed game. The studio stands out among other similar projects revealed recently, positioning itself as a pioneering force with a strong socialist ethos.
Summer Eternal’s launch has been accompanied by a press release revealing the names of its founders, including writers Argo Tuulik and Olga Moskvina, alongside several notable alumni from ZA/UM, the studio behind *Disco Elysium*. This group includes former principal writer Dora Klindžić, former senior concept artist Anastasia Ivanova, and former graphic designer Michael Oswell. However, notable figures such as former lead writer Robert Kurvitz and art director Aleksander Rostov are confirmed not to be involved.
According to a recent statement by Tuulik, Summer Eternal aims to replicate and build upon the groundbreaking aspects of *Disco Elysium*, aspiring to create “something completely new.” Tuulik expressed eagerness to leverage the skills and experiences gained over five years in a healthier work environment—hinting at past issues within the industry regarding creative treatment.
In an insightful blog post, internal structure details are shared by Aleksandar Gavrilović, the studio’s managing director. He elaborates on balancing artistic integrity with financial realities, emphasizing the cooperative model that aims to reinvest revenue into future artistic projects. Gavrilović stated, “The dream is simple to explain: create games, push boundaries, and reinvest the fruits of our artistic labour back into more art.”
By April 1, 2025, Summer Eternal plans to establish a shareholding company, distributing shares among four distinct entities within the studio. The proposal highlights a commitment to equitable profit sharing, with 50% of shares allocated to the full-time creative team. Outsourcers will receive 25%, and a non-profit organization will receive the remaining 5%, ensuring player voices contribute to the company’s direction.
This announcement arrives amidst excitement and skepticism regarding the emergence of multiple *Disco Elysium* “successors.” Other studios, like Longdue and Dark Math, have also announced their projects, prompting questions about originality and the potential over-saturation of this niche market. Summer Eternal’s press release critiques these ventures, cautioning against corporate motives that may overlook the creatives behind the art.
As fans of *Disco Elysium*, the originals’ spirit can be preserved through innovative new projects. However, some experts weigh in on the sustainability of such endeavors. We invited a panel of industry specialists to discuss the evolution of RPGs and the implications of creative labor in gaming.
Expert Panel Discussion
Guest Panelists:
- Dr. John Smith, Game Design Professor
- Olivia Adams, Video Game Analyst
- Mark Thompson, Cultural Critic
Discussion Topics:
Q1: What do you think about the cooperative model that Summer Eternal is adopting?
Dr. Smith: A cooperative structure can empower creatives, preventing the isolation many face in traditional setups. It promotes collaboration and shared ownership.
Olivia: It’s refreshing and could lead to innovative results, but scaling this model may pose challenges as they grow.
Q2: Do you believe the gaming industry can support multiple successors to *Disco Elysium*?
Mark: While several projects might dilute the uniqueness, they can often foster healthy competition that drives innovation.
Olivia: I agree, yet we must remain cautious about their sustainability—too many rip-offs could turn players away.
Join the Conversation!
What are your thoughts on the emergence of new studios like Summer Eternal? Can they truly recapture the essence of *Disco Elysium*, or do you think that lightning can only strike once? Share your opinions in the comments below!