PROJECT [C4]: Everything We Know

Project-C4 – Disco Elysium fans have been waiting for a sequel for the past six years, but it seems that the wait will continue. Instead of revisiting its critically acclaimed RPG, developer ZA/UM is shifting gears to launch a new game: PROJECT [C4]. While details are still scarce, the concept behind this new title sounds unique, and its theme is already generating excitement.

Although some fans may be disappointed by the lack of a Disco Elysium follow-up, many are eager to see what PROJECT [C4] brings to the table. ZA/UM has built a reputation for crafting rich, narrative-driven experiences, and if their new project follows suit, players could be in for something truly special. Here’s a closer look at everything we know so far about PROJECT [C4]—its setting, potential gameplay mechanics, and what it means for the future of ZA/UM.

What is PROJECT [C4]?

PROJECT [C4] is a bit tricky to categorize, considering the limited information from ZA/UM and its unique concept and theme. The developer describes it as a spy RPG, but there is more to it than that. While the game will share a few gameplay aspects with Disco Elysium, it promises to be different. “We want to build on what we’ve done before, but not simply by repeating or rehashing it. This is not Disco Elysium 2, this is C4,” said ZA/UM writer Siim Sianamae.

The game borrows inspiration from various classic espionage films and novels. Its biggest inspiration comes from the three novels in the Smiley vs. Karla Trilogy: Smiler’s People, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and The Honourable Schoolboy. It also takes some inspiration from the works of other famous writers, such as Park Chan-Wook, Philip K. Dick, and Ursula Le Guin.

Interestingly, many critics think that PROJECT [C4] is a desperate attempt by the embattled developer to redeem its reputation. Whether or not it works depends on the game’s quality and reception in the gaming community.

Story

PROJECT [C4] is a story-driven game, and storytelling is an integral aspect of the gameplay. The story sounds thrilling and a bit complex.

Competing geopolitical powers are locked in a silent, concealed conflict. They use spies called Operants to move pieces on the board and achieve their goals. As an Operant, the player gets a desperate assignment that they must complete. The assignment is riskier than anything the player has done before. Interestingly, dying isn’t the biggest risk in this assignment; becoming exposed is.

As such, the player must find ways to navigate the shadowy, mucky world of espionage without giving the game away. More importantly, they must uncover crucial secrets and solve perplexing mysteries to acquire the information their powerful bosses need.

Gameplay

ZA/UM has so far shared limited information about the game’s gameplay. Jim Ashilevi, another ZA/UM writer, shed some light on the gameplay when he said, “This is a game all about spy stuff – but it is not 007, with his hero complex, the Bond girls, gadgets. It’s more like Slow Horses: doing the work you love even if it does not get you any fame or praise. No heroes, only the stench of failure.”

Storytelling will undoubtedly be an integral aspect of the gameplay. According to the developer’s game description, the Operant is “locked in a vicious, clandestine struggle for truth and influence.” Certainly, players must be witty to gather intel in the world of C4.

The story already promises to be complex. However, considering the sci-fi theme and the studio’s statement about the mind, it could also be bizarre. “Yet it is the mind that takes centre stage in C4. More vulnerable and somehow more powerful than the physical world, it can be erased, changed, reordered, and, of course, significantly altered through the regular use of psychoactive substances. Players must steel themselves with whatever comfort they can to survive the violent canvas of the real.”

The game will also feature action. Given the sci-fi theme, fights could be epic. Based on scenes in the trailer, the combat system could incorporate both melee combat and gunfights. Interestingly, the action sequences are inspired by the works of author Park Chan-Wook.

Notably, PROJECT [C4] incorporates the “failing forward philosophy,” a key aspect of Disco Elysium’s gameplay. Failure is not a bad thing in this game, albeit it can cost players dearly. As such, failing doesn’t trigger reloads or resets. Instead, it is incorporated into the story, and players must live with the consequences while trying to recover.

Development

Disco Elysium’s developer, ZA/UM, is the studio behind PROJECT [C4]. The studio has been working on the game for the past three years.

However, it is worth noting that this is not the same team that worked on Disco Elysium. The studio fired some of the original team’s members after the launch of Disco Elysium. Moreover, some left because of what they described as “a difficult working environment.” Some of the previous members have since accused the studio of mud-slinging and name-calling. Some members even filed lawsuits against the developer.

Some of the former crew members joined other studios after leaving ZA/UM, and some started their own independent studios. Most of the crew members now work for UK-based developers Longdue and Dark Math Games. Moreover, Disco Elysium art director Aleksander Rostov and lead writer Robert Kurvitz also formed their own studio, Red Info. They, too, are working on a game with the support of NetEase.

Interestingly, Longdue and Dark Math Games have announced they are working on spiritual successors for Disco Elysium. Dark Math Games is developing a detective RPG called XXX Nightshift, while Longdue is working on a psychogeographic RPG called Hopetown.

Trailer

The official teaser trailer for PROJECT [C4] is a bit cryptic, as the world of espionage should be. It doesn’t showcase any gameplay features. Instead, it focuses on the game’s story, with a female narrator describing her world and career. The images shown in the trailer seem to allude to a disturbed mind on the verge of insanity. Interestingly, they symbolise the game’s theme and gameplay, albeit they are difficult to decipher. Unfortunately, the trailer leaves many questions unanswered.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

ZA/UM is yet to decide on a release date for PROJECT [C4]. Moreover, it has specified which platforms the game will support. It is also unclear whether the game has multiple editions and what the differences between them could be. The developer will share these and other details at the next Game Developer Conference.