Sumo Group exits publishing as Secret Mode sold to Emona Capital in management buyout
Summary
Sumo Group has divested its indie publishing arm Secret Mode to Emona Capital and the label's existing leadership team
The deal marks Emona's first publishing investment, alongside existing portfolio companies Relic Entertainment and Amber Studio
Secret Mode will continue operating as an independent publisher focused on indie PC and console titles
Sumo Group refocuses entirely on development services following last month's restructure announcement
"By becoming independent, we can now put all our efforts into uncovering the indie gems that gamers never knew they needed in their lives."
01
Strategic divestiture - Sumo doubles down on pure development services
Sumo Group sold Secret Mode for an undisclosed sum as part of its broader strategic pivot
Sumo announced last month it would refocus "exclusively on development services for partners"
The sale signals a clean break from publishing, with restructuring and potential layoffs already underway at Sumo
02
Emona Capital enters game publishing for the first time
Emona Capital is described as a financial investor with "deep expertise in the gaming industry"
Its existing portfolio includes Relic Entertainment and Amber Studio
Secret Mode represents Emona's first bet on the game publishing side of the industry
03
Secret Mode retains leadership and indie publishing mandate
Ed Blincoe and James Schall remain at the helm with Emona's full backing
The label will stay focused on supporting indie PC and console titles
"Secret Mode is deeply passionate about the creativity and innovation within the indie space."
Blincoe acknowledged Sumo's role in funding the startup years and enabling the path to full independence
04
What's next - expansion and developer empowerment on the horizon
Secret Mode plans to surface overlooked existing indie titles alongside new releases
The team is actively working to empower independent developers globally
Schall hinted at "exciting announcements" on this front coming in the months ahead
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Locations
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