“Secret Mode Breaks Away from Sumo to Emerge as Fair Author”
Update (3/4/2025): Due to its separation from Sumo Group, Secret Mode has instituted a “limited number” of layoffs.
Developers initially disclosed their situation on LinkedIn. A representative for Secret Mode later verified to Eurogamer that several jobs had been eliminated, although they did not specify an exact number.
Background information: Secret Mode, the company established by Sumo Group in 2020, has been sold to Emona Capital for an undisclosed amount.
The transaction was coordinated by familiar faces, with Secret Mode co-founder James Schall and VP of publishing Ed Blincoe collaborating with Emona to facilitate the acquisition.
The studio—renowned for working on titles such as Aloof Wakes the Deep, Eternal Threads, and Wobbledogs under the Sumo umbrella—will now focus on discovering indie gems for PC and console as an independent entity.
Secret Mode will continue under the guidance of Schall and Blincoe, who stated that they have the “full support” of Emona.
“By becoming independent, we can now dedicate all our resources to uncovering the indie treasures that gamers didn’t realize they needed in their lives,” stated Schall.
“We are dedicated to providing our players with the finest indie titles; not just those coming in the future, but also aiding them in uncovering existing indie masterpieces that have undeservedly gone unnoticed in the past. We are striving to empower independent developers worldwide, and hope to share some exciting news on this front in the upcoming months.”
The deal was announced swiftly following Sumo’s announcement of plans to move away from internal development to concentrate entirely on co-development work. The UK-based firm, which is owned by Tencent, mentioned that this shift could help them adapt to challenging “market realities.”
This decision followed significant layoffs within the company.
Emona has previously invested in studios like Relic Entertainment and Amber Studio, but Secret Mode marks its first entry into the publishing sector.
About the Author
Content Editor, GameDeveloper.com
Game Developer content editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. His work has been featured in key print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, Global Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered significant industry events such as GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has served on the judging panel of The Develop Awards multiple times and has appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.