Grammy-Nominated Producer Joins XXX NIGHTSHIFT
Dark Math Games, a new studio founded by Disco Elysium alumni, has added grammy-nominated producer John Cunningham to its team. Cunningham will score the studio’s upcoming debut detective RPG, XXX NIGHTSHIFT.
The game is set in the year 2086 and follows Dinorah Katz, a Patrol Op who’s found herself stuck in an Antarctic ski resort with a variety of strangers all hiding a multitude of sins. Dark Math promises a true detective RPG with music that is part and parcel of the world, not just another soundtrack.
“XXX NIGHTSHIFT is an ambitious project, and John’s innovative approach matches our energy perfectly,” said Timo Albert, Art Director and founder of Dark Math Games, in a press release.
“He knows how to get the best out of every artist, and we’re thrilled to have him as a hands-on collaborator with the development team. He’s taking the lead on sound and music with his signature style—players are in for something unforgettable.”
Music To Your Ears
Gamers into pop music may already be familiar with John Cunningham. The Oakland, California, native has worked with the likes of Kanye West, Miley Cyrus, and the late XXXTentacion.
Although Cunnigham suggested a Fortnite x XXXTentacion collaboration in November 2024, which was then added in season two update six in February 2025, this is the first time Cunningham has actively worked with a video game company.
“I’m super curious and excited to be a part of XXX NIGHTSHIFT, where the world has evolved so much, and our understanding of music and personalization has evolved alongside it,” Cunningham said in a press release.
“How is music created, listened to, shared, and loved in this world? And most importantly, how can I impart the feeling upon the player that we are all artists in our own right?”
XXX NIGHTSHIFT: Indebted to Disco Elysium
The core idea of every player being an artist in some way is something other games have tackled before. The critically-acclaimed Disco Elysium wasn’t shy about broaching lofty ideas related to personal identity, and it looks as though XXX NIGHTSHIFT is set to follow suit.
“Additionally to innovating the traditional RPG mechanics, we’ll bring something fresh to the table,” said Timo Albert in a separate press release. “You will see. And of course, a few less words. And a few more bullets, perhaps. In total: lot more fun.”
Dark Math Games was founded in the UK in 2023 and half of its staff was involved in Disco Elysium at the time. That games’ writers and art designer have also set up their own studios, after the management behind Disco Elysium’s developer ZA/UM came under scrutiny for canceling projects and mistreating staff.