Tangerine Antarctic: The Former Disco Elysium Devs Shift Gears in Their Ongoing Rivalry

In a fascinating and unexpected development, Dark Math Games, a studio founded by former developers of the critically acclaimed Disco Elysium, has announced a significant shift in its forthcoming detective RPG. The game, originally known as XXXNightshift, has been renamed Tangerine Antarctic and, in a move that signals a clear break from its roots, will abandon the iconic isometric perspective in favor of a third-person camera. This change is the latest development in the ongoing, and increasingly complex, rivalry between the various studios that have risen from the ashes of ZA/UM, the original developers of Disco Elysium.

The original announcement of Dark Math Games and its project caused a stir among fans of the genre. The studio, which consists of about half of the original Disco Elysium development team, was one of several to form in the wake of the highly publicized legal disputes, toxic behavior accusations, and layoffs at ZA/UM. Other studios, such as Longdue Games and Summer Eternal, have also announced their own “spiritual successors” to the beloved RPG. This created a peculiar and highly competitive landscape, with multiple teams vying to fill the void left by ZA/UM. The original title, XXXNightshift, was announced with a trailer that leaned heavily into the visual style of Disco Elysium, showcasing a grimy, isometric world and a focus on dialogue-heavy detective work.

A New Name and a New Perspective

The recent announcement, however, shows that Dark Math Games is now taking a different path. The new title, Tangerine Antarctic, is named after the in-game hotel where most of the action takes place. According to studio founder and art director Timo Albert, the hotel itself is designed to be a “central character” in the narrative. The more profound change, however, is the shift from an isometric to a third-person perspective. The isometric perspective, with its fixed, angled camera, is a hallmark of classic CRPGs like Diablo and Baldur’s Gate, and it was a defining characteristic of Disco Elysium. The new third-person view, as seen in the latest screenshots, places the camera much closer to the player character, creating a more intimate and cinematic feel. While the developers have not provided a specific reason for the change, it is widely believed to be an attempt to distance the game from its rival studios and from the “spiritual successor” label that has been so heavily attached to all of the new projects.

The decision is a bold one. The isometric perspective of Disco Elysium was not just a stylistic choice; it was a key part of the game’s identity. It allowed players to take in the full, meticulously crafted environments and created a feeling of being a detective meticulously examining every corner of a scene. A shift to third-person could potentially disrupt this feeling, but it also opens up new opportunities. The close-up perspective could allow for more detailed character models, more dynamic animations, and a more personal connection with the protagonist. It could be a way for Dark Math Games to create a new and unique identity that is not simply a rehash of its former glory. This is especially important as ZA/UM itself is still working on a new project, and other studios, such as Longdue Games, are still committed to the isometric style. The gaming community is a mixed bag on the change, with some fans disappointed by the shift away from the classic style, while others are excited to see what the developers can do with a new perspective.

The Rivalry Continues

The rivalry between the various studios of former ZA/UM staff continues to be a point of fascination. While ZA/UM has publicly stated that it is “friendly competition,” the simultaneous announcements of different projects and the subtle differences in their public marketing suggest a more complex relationship. The fact that Dark Math Games has chosen to make such a profound change to its project is a clear signal that they are not content to simply be another “spiritual successor.” They are trying to carve out their own space in a crowded and competitive market. Tangerine Antarctic is now a project that stands on its own, not just a game that is “like Disco Elysium.” It is a testament to the creative drive of the developers, who are not content to rest on their laurels. The game’s new direction and new name make it a fresh and exciting prospect, one that will be watched closely by fans and competitors alike.

For now, the detective genre is in a good place. With so many talented people working on new projects, it seems that we will not have to wait long for a new wave of thought-provoking and innovative RPGs. The question is no longer “Will there be another Disco Elysium?” but rather, “Which of these new projects will stand out and define the future of the genre?”