ZA/UM, the studio behind Disco Elysium, has revealed its new project, Zero Parades: For Dead Spies. The first gameplay footage debuted during State of Play. The title is slated for release in 2026 on PS5 and PC.
The developers position the game as a spiritual successor to Disco Elysium. At the center of the story is Hershel, a talented yet unlucky agent forced to survive in a world of paranoia, betrayal, and recurring setbacks.
As with the studio’s previous work, emphasis is placed on a deep, narrative-driven RPG with meaningful choices and a constant tension between success and failure. ZA/UM describes the game as “a spy role-playing drama built on paranoia, surrealism, and the pursuit of redemption.”
A standout mechanic is “Dramatic Encounters” — tense moments where time freezes and the player must make quick decisions. Outcomes depend not on reflexes but on dice rolls and character stats. Even seasoned agents can fail, reflecting the philosophy that “failure is also a path forward.”
Another feature is the “Exert” system. It lets players take risks by adding an extra die to a roll. The odds of success increase, but there is a price to pay.
The game also includes a “Conditioning” system, expanding on the “thought cabinet” concept from Disco Elysium. Hershel will be able to lock in certain ideas, affecting skills, behavior, and psychological resilience. Those benefits come with trade-offs, highlighting the mental cost of espionage and surviving under pressure.
You can add the game to your Steam wishlist.
Source: iXBT.games