Darkish Math Games Secures Seven-Figure Funding for Its Inaugural Project, XXX Nightshift

XXX Nightshift, the primary objective of Darkish Math GamesImage by courtesy of Darkish Math Games

Darkish Math Games, one of several emerging studios founded by talents from Disco Elysium developer ZA/UM, has secured a substantial investment from the Estonian company MM Grupp just months after revealing its debut game.

Although the exact amount or specific terms of the agreement have not been disclosed, the studio confirmed to GamesIndustry that it represents a seven-figure investment. MM Grupp was also a principal investor in Disco Elysium, and Darkish Math founder Kaur Kender referred to the firm as “an experienced investor that understands and values art as well as the video game industry in particular.”

“Grupp’s support will provide stability and a long-term perspective. We have achieved something remarkable together in the past, and we are confident we will do it again,” he added.

In October, the newly established studio unveiled its inaugural project, XXX Nightshift. Darkish Math plans to utilize this fresh funding towards its game, which has previously been characterized as a “true detective RPG” reminiscent of Disco.

Disco Elysium’s Legacy Expands

Darkish Math Games is among several studios established by ZA/UM alumni that aim to continue the momentum generated by Disco Elysium. On the very same day that Darkish Math was announced, Longdue Games introduced itself to the world. This other nascent studio is currently developing a “psychogeographic RPG set in a universe where choices resonate through the character’s mind and surroundings.”

Shortly after these announcements, Disco writer Argo Tuulik revealed Summer Eternal, an “art collective/RPG studio” that includes fellow ZA/UM alumni Olga Moskvina, Dora Klindžić, and Lenval Brown. Tuulik’s vision for his company is to collaborate with former colleagues and new team members to “create an inclusive space for us and other veteran RPG developers to finally, collectively innovate once more in this gaming arena.”

Not to be overlooked, studio Red Data was also announced around that same period, albeit with less information available compared to the other three. This studio was notably founded by Aleksander Rostov and Robert Kurvitz, the art style designer and lead writer of Disco Elysium, respectively, who had been reportedly removed along with writer Helen Hindpere from the company in 2022.

This chaotic series of exits triggered a chain reaction: since 2022, ZA/UM has laid off staff, canceled projects, and has faced allegations of mistreating employees.

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