Zero Parades: A New Espionage RPG Unveiled

Developer ZA/UM, renowned for its innovative title Disco Elysium, has lifted the veil on its eagerly anticipated next project, Zero Parades. This new CRPG, categorized as a rich espionage narrative, made its grand debut with an official trailer at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025. Players will step into the shoes of a covert operative, entrusted with the critical mission of piecing together a shattered intelligence network amidst a complex tapestry of global intrigue. The game's visual presentation, though still in its preliminary stages, showcases a distinct artistic direction reminiscent of its predecessor, hinting at a similarly immersive experience. While a definitive launch date remains under wraps, the game has been made available for wishlisting on Steam, building anticipation among fans eager to delve into its shadowy world.

The Emergence of Zero Parades

ZA/UM, the acclaimed studio that brought us the groundbreaking Disco Elysium, has finally offered a glimpse into its highly anticipated new project, Zero Parades. This role-playing game, centered on espionage, was first unveiled to the public through a compelling announcement trailer during the Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025 event. The trailer presented a cryptic but intriguing message, \"Your friends are you. Each a separate limb of the whole,\" hinting at a deep and interconnected narrative experience.

Zero Parades is characterized by ZA/UM as an \"espionage RPG rich in storytelling.\" The game casts players as a \"tormented operant,\" a term that evokes the image of a highly skilled, perhaps troubled, secret agent. Their critical assignment involves meticulously reconstructing a fractured network, navigating a treacherous labyrinth of intrigue at what is described as the \"End of History,\" and ultimately proving their mettle on a grand stage or facing catastrophic failure. Geoff Keighley, host of Gamescom ONL, acknowledged the significant transformations within the ZA/UM studio since Disco Elysium's release, underscoring that despite these changes, the current team is now prepared to introduce their new CRPG to the world. He emphasized that the game promises a journey into the enigmatic realm of espionage, where the boundaries between reality and fiction blur, and every setback serves not as an end, but as a gateway to new possibilities.

Early Development and Artistic Vision

The unveiling of Zero Parades revealed a game still very much in its nascent stages of development, with the trailer predominantly featuring conceptual art and preliminary sketches. Despite this, the visual aesthetic on display bore a striking resemblance to the unique art style that defined Disco Elysium, suggesting a continuation of ZA/UM's distinctive artistic direction.

This early glimpse underscores the deliberate and meticulous approach ZA/UM is taking in crafting Zero Parades, focusing on the foundational artistic and thematic elements before moving into more advanced stages of production. The use of concept art and sketches provides an intriguing insight into the creative process, allowing potential players to witness the evolution of the game's visual identity. While an official release date has not yet been announced, the availability of Zero Parades for wishlisting on Steam signifies ZA/UM's intention to build community engagement and anticipation as development progresses. This strategic move allows fans to express their interest early on, creating a buzz around the title and ensuring a strong foundation for its eventual launch. The resemblance to Disco Elysium's art style also suggests that fans of the previous game will find a familiar yet fresh visual experience in Zero Parades, further solidifying its appeal.