Ex-ZA/UM Devs Unveil Red Rooster, Reject Disco Elysium Label

Former ZA/UM developers have launched Red Rooster, an “incendiary RPG.” The creators emphasize that it’s not a Disco Elysium successor or a “Disco-like” game. According to Eurogamer, this new title comes from a studio named Summer Eternal and blends immersive sim elements with RPG gameplay.

This announcement puts an end to a long period of speculation. In 2024, Eurogamer reported on more former ZA/UM developers launching a new studio, stating they weren’t working on a Disco Elysium sequel. Red Rooster gives us our first glimpse of what that team is creating.

The messaging is intentional. The team aims to counter comparisons before they even begin. “You need to turn away from the ruin and reach for the new,” Summer Eternal stated, as reported by Eurogamer.

This approach makes sense commercially. Disco Elysium boasts a Metacritic score of 91 and maintains a 92% positive rating across 64,364 reviews on Steam. That sets a high standard, and any project linked to its original creators faces direct scrutiny.

Marketing for narrative RPGs often relies on such comparisons. Back in June 2026, we discussed a vampire RPG that drew Disco Elysium comparisons leading up to its release. Summer Eternal is keen to avoid becoming the next example of this trend, especially since its developers have strong ties to the original game.

The available information lacks specifics on release timing, platforms, or pricing. Those details haven’t been confirmed yet. However, the concept is clear: it’s part immersive sim, part RPG, and aims to carve out its own identity away from the studio’s previous projects.

By The Numbers

Disco Elysium release date	October 14, 2019
Disco Elysium Metacritic score	91
Disco Elysium Steam reviews	92% positive (64,364 reviews)
Disco Elysium Steam price	$39.99
Disco Elysium current Steam players	1,064

Community Pulse

The community reaction to Disco Elysium remains largely positive, showing how deeply players connect with the game. One Steam reviewer summed it up well: “kim kitsuragi saved my life.” This kind of emotional attachment is why Summer Eternal wants to ensure that Red Rooster isn’t seen as a hidden sequel.

What To Watch

• Gameplay footage: The “part-immersive sim” tag needs a demonstration. Keep an eye on how much player choice Red Rooster offers compared to dialogue-driven RPGs.
• Release window and platforms: These details haven’t been confirmed yet. An announcement would tell us how far along the project is.
• How the studio addresses the ZA/UM connection: Summer Eternal is trying to distance itself from that comparison. Future interviews will reveal if this stance holds as marketing ramps up.