Is Hopetown Really the Next Disco Elysium?

Published on 2 May 2025

The Big Promise: From Disco Elysium to Hopetown

In the same vein as Disco Elysium which is what the marketing is playing off of in that is the reaction to the announcement. But is it true?

Disco Elysium was a phenomenal release. They gave out awards and praise by the score. As for Hopetown they have big shoes to fill. That which went before sets the bar very high.

What We Know About Hopetown

Hopetown is a new entry in the RPG genre which also includes elements of adventure. We are told that it has in depth story telling. The team which has put this together includes some of the developers from Disco Elysium.

But not all of the key players came back. That which was presented as from the team is now in question. Fans should moderate what they expect.

Gameplay Differences

In Hopeful’s setting we see a change from the isometric style of Disco Elysium, instead we have a top down perspective. Also in terms of combat we see a shift towards a more action focused experience.

The writing has also gone in a different direction. It is more light hearted. Some fans may not care for Disco Elysium’s intense themes.

Comparing Development Teams

In only half of what went into the making of Disco Elysium we see what went into the making of Hopetown. We are missing key writers and designers. That which made the creative process unique is now different.

The team interaction is real though it is limited. I would say that it is a spiritual successor which is more accurate.

Who's Missing?

Disco Elysium’s primary writer is out. Also the art director left which changed the course of Hopetown’s identity.

New team members bring in fresh perspectives. But the connection to Disco Elysium is diminishing.

Genre Shifts and Expectations

Hopetown has RPG and strategy elements at it’s core. Also it is more of a casual game as compared to Disco Elysium. To our fan’s surprise the multiplayer options are present.

The transition has gone over well for large groups of people. That said we do have some dedicated fans that are not as into it. The game is a solid stand in itself.

Action vs. Narrative Focus

Disco Elysium put story at the forefront which Hopetown does the opposite in terms of balance. In that game combat takes up a larger role.

Character interaction is a key element. But the game plays more like a traditional adventure title.

Marketing vs. Reality

From the Disco Elysium team tag that is very broad but in actuality it is to little for what we present in Hopetown. Hopetown is a different experience.

Developers walk that line between the past and present. They pay tribute to what came before as they innovate. The pitch is to a mixed audience which causes confusion.

Managing Fan Expectations

Transparency is key to avoiding backlash. Fans want open info. The team do well to put forward their vision but could put it across better.

Hopetown has what it takes to stand out on its own. The comparison to Disco Elysium may do it more harm than good.

Will Hopetown Succeed?

At early stages it looks very promising. The game has original ideas. It will find its own fan base.

Success is a result of how you put things into action. Also what sets you apart should outperform that which is thrown up against you in comparison.

Standing On Its Own

Hope town must live up to the expectations of which it sets for itself. Past achievement will not do. In the gaming world what is in demand is innovation.

If play experience is great, players will look past marketing issues. Some excellent games rise above their promotions.

Conclusion

In some ways Hopetown’s connection to Disco Elysium is a fact but also a matter of degree. There is team overlap which however is not total. Also the games’ play styles are very different.

Players should look at Hopetown as an individual case. The “from the team” pitch is a marketing ploy. Look beyond the marketing to see the real game.

FAQs

1. Is Hopetown a direct sequel to Disco Elysium?

No. Hopetown is separate from the main game although some of the same developers did work on it. Also the characters and settings don’t tie into each other.

2. How many Disco Elysium developers work on Hopetown?

In the core team which is a little over half of it left. Also key creative members moved to other projects.

3. Will Hopetown play like Disco Elysium?

No. Gameplay in this case is different. In Hopetown we see more of an action and adventure focus.

4. Should Disco Elysium fans be excited for Hopetown?

Maybe. If for some reason you are looking for a similar style of writing, set your expectations accordingly. For fans of strategy in their RPGs give this a try.