One of the most phenomenal CRPGs, Disco Elysium, is coming to your mobile devices on August 5, 2025.

But there are a few things you need to know before diving in. ZA/UM Studio, the developer behind this masterpiece, has decided to completely reimagined the Android version’s gameplay into a visual novel-like experience. So, forget the isometric view, as you’ll be greeted with swiping dialogue options alongside stunning 2D artwork.

The good news is that the Android version of Disco Elysium is not a gacha game, and you can try the first two chapters for free. This is certainly a breath of fresh air for gamers who are often wary of mobile game monetization models. The full version will be priced at around $9.99 USD. For those who’ve never played the game before, this Android version offers a truly different experience from its original PC and console counterparts.

For context, Disco Elysium is a CRPG that tells the story of an amnesiac detective trying to solve a murder case amidst an existential crisis. While it might not be as popular as other genre, the game has won numerous awards, including at TGA 2019, proving its exceptional art quality and narrative depth.

Behind Disco Elysium’s success, however, lies a heated internal drama within ZA/UM studio. Issues regarding unfair treatment of core staff emerged in October 2022. One of the founders and lead designers, Robert Kurvitz, was reportedly ousted for refusing a plan to sell the Disco Elysium IP. Although ZA/UM denied the accusations and accused Kurvitz of creating a toxic work environment, the dispute remains unresolved.

This turmoil has had a significant impact, with most of the original development team now having left to form a new studio. This might also explain the vastly different gameplay concept for this Android port.

So, what do you guys think?