Dark Math RPG: Ex-Disco Elysium Devs Go Third-Person

Last Updated: October 21, 2025

In a foundational announcement that signals a new direction for one of the most anticipated new studios, Dark Math Games has revealed a significant pivot for its debut project. The studio, formed by veteran developers from the team behind the critically acclaimed Disco Elysium, confirmed its forthcoming detective RPG will be built around a third-person perspective, a strategic departure from the iconic isometric view that defined their previous work. This decision is more than a technical shift; it's a clear statement of intent from a team aiming to carve out a new identity in the crowded RPG landscape.

The formation of Dark Math Games in late 2024 was a major event, born from the much-publicized split of talent from original Disco Elysium developer ZA/UM. This exodus resulted in multiple new studios, each vying to become the spiritual successor to the groundbreaking title. Dark Math, which includes co-founder and former ZA/UM motion graphic designer Timo Albert, is positioning its project as a new evolution of the narrative RPG. While details remain under wraps, the move away from an isometric viewpoint is the team's first bold step in distinguishing itself.

The Legacy of Isometric View

Disco Elysium became a cultural phenomenon celebrated for its profound narrative and unique tabletop-inspired mechanics, all presented through a detached, painterly isometric lens. This perspective gave players a god-like overview of the environment, reinforcing the game’s cerebral, text-heavy nature. By embracing a third-person perspective, Dark Math is deliberately moving away from this formula. As Timo Albert hinted, their new title will feature "a few less words," suggesting a greater emphasis on environmental interaction and visual storytelling.

Embracing Immersion: The Third-Person Advantage

A third-person view fundamentally alters the player's relationship with the game world. It pulls the camera in close, tethering the player directly to their avatar and fostering a powerful sense of immersion and personal connection. For a detective RPG, this promises to heighten the feeling of being "on the ground"—meticulously combing crime scenes, engaging in tense face-to-face interrogations, and navigating the world with a tactile sense of presence. The subtle nuances of a suspect's body language, the texture of a clue, and the physical act of exploration become far more immediate and impactful.

This perspective shift opens new possibilities for gameplay mechanics. Investigation could become a more physical and interactive process, requiring players to manually manipulate objects, zoom in on environmental details, or engage in mechanics that simulate forensic analysis directly. Dialogue, a cornerstone of the genre, is similarly elevated. With a closer camera, the emotional weight of conversations and the non-verbal cues of characters become more pronounced, adding new layers of depth to social interactions and the art of deduction.

Forging a New Identity

The decision is a clear move toward creative distinction. While the team’s pedigree sets a high bar, it also casts a long shadow. By abandoning the isometric style, Dark Math Games signals its intention to forge a new path rather than create a direct sequel in all but name. This isn't just about visual novelty; it’s about exploring how a different player perspective can fundamentally reshape engagement with the story and its systems. A third-person camera allows for more detailed vertical spaces, intricate level design, and expansive landscapes, transforming world-building from passive observation into active participation.

Ultimately, Dark Math’s debut project is now defined by this bold choice. It exists within a fascinating new ecosystem of post-Elysium developers, each pursuing their own vision of what comes next. The shift to an intimate, character-driven third-person viewpoint is a powerful declaration of artistic independence and a challenge to the conventions of the genre they helped revolutionize. The gaming community now watches with heightened anticipation to see how this ambitious vision will translate into the next great detective RPG.