Disco Elysium Successor Zero Parades Is Getting a Demo for Steam Next Fest

Published: Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 2:00 pm

Zero Parades: For Dead Spies to Debut Demo During Steam Next Fest

Game developer ZA/UM has revealed plans to release a free demo for its upcoming role-playing game, *Zero Parades: For Dead Spies*, during the Steam Next Fest. The demo will be available on PC from February 23rd to March 16th.

The demo will offer a curated experience of the game's opening hours, including two full quests and various side activities. Players will have the freedom to explore the city-state of Portofiro. The demo will also allow players to select from three distinct character archetypes, each influencing the protagonist Hershel Wilk's skills and stats. ZA/UM encourages players to replay the demo with different archetypes to experience how these choices affect gameplay.

*Zero Parades* centers on a retired spy brought back for one final mission. The game's core theme is failure, with the developers designing the dialogue system to reflect this. The studio emphasizes that every closed door presents an alternative opportunity.

The game shares design similarities with ZA/UM's previous title, *Disco Elysium*, and is being developed by a team composed of both veteran and new employees. The full game is slated for a 2026 launch, initially on PC via Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store, with a later release planned for the PlayStation 5.

BNN's Perspective: The release of a demo is a smart move by ZA/UM. It allows potential players to experience the game's unique mechanics and setting firsthand, generating early buzz and feedback. Given the success of *Disco Elysium*, expectations are high, and this demo offers a valuable opportunity to gauge interest and refine the game before its full release. While the 2026 launch date may seem distant, the demo's availability provides a tangible glimpse into what promises to be a compelling and thought-provoking RPG.

Keywords: Zero Parades, For Dead Spies, ZA/UM, demo, Steam Next Fest, RPG, PC, PlayStation 5, Disco Elysium, espionage, Hershel Wilk, Portofiro, 2026, Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, character archetypes, quests, side activities, gameplay, failure, dialogue system, game development.

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