Where paranoia, failure, and espionage collide in a surreal world of shifting loyalties.
ZA/UM, the studio behind Disco Elysium, have unveiled their next project: Zero Parades: For Dead Spies, with a first gameplay trailer during Sony’s recent State of Play stream. The game is confirmed for PlayStation 5 and PC, with release set for 2026.
A spiritual successor to Disco Elysium
Best known for the critically acclaimed Disco Elysium, ZA/UM are once again returning to narrative-first role-playing with a surrealist touch. Zero Parades: For Dead Spies places players in the shoes of Hershel, a brilliant yet unfortunate operant navigating a world steeped in paranoia, betrayal, and inevitable failure.
Much like its predecessor, the game leans heavily on narrative depth, branching choices, and the constant tension between success and failure. The studio describe it as “a narrative-first espionage RPG steeped in paranoia, surrealism, and a struggle for redemption.”
Gameplay: Dramatic Encounters and Spy Tension
One of the standout mechanics introduced is “Dramatic Encounters”. These high-intensity moments freeze time, forcing players to quickly choose how to resolve a deadly situation. Unlike typical action-heavy spy thrillers, outcomes here are dictated by dice rolls tied to character stats, emphasising that even skilled operants can falter.
The developers stress that this isn’t James Bond glamour; failure is just as integral to the experience as success. The story continues no matter what, embodying ZA/UM’s philosophy of “failing forward.”
Exertion and Conditioning
Another addition is the “Exert” system, which allows players to push their luck during dice rolls by adding an extra die, increasing the chances of success but at a cost. This mechanic builds on Disco Elysium’s design while adding higher stakes to espionage decision-making.
Meanwhile, Conditioning expands on the Thought Cabinet concept from ZA/UM’s previous title. Hershel can reinforce certain thoughts encountered in the world, shaping his skills, behaviour, and psychological resilience. However, this system also carries drawbacks, highlighting the mental toll of spycraft and survival under pressure.
Zero Parades: For Dead Spies is scheduled to launch in 2026 on PlayStation 5 and PC, with other platforms yet to be confirmed. Players can already wishlist the game now as anticipation builds for ZA/UM’s next narrative-driven epic.
