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Sumo Group

PixelAnt spins out from Sumo Group
AppWizard
September 9, 2025

PixelAnt spins out from Sumo Group

PixelAnt Games has announced its independence from Sumo Group, focusing on developing its own intellectual properties and work-for-hire projects. This change pertains to PixelAnt's Polish operations, while the Czech studio remains with Sumo Group. Currently, PixelAnt is working with Bloober Team on a Nintendo Switch 2 port of Cronos: The New Dawn. The studio aims to seek partnerships, funding, and publishing opportunities. PixelAnt was acquired by Sumo Group in 2021 for £250,000.
Newly-independent Chinese Room looking to keep budgets low
AppWizard
September 4, 2025

Newly-independent Chinese Room looking to keep budgets low

The Chinese Room, now an independent studio, is adopting a frugal approach to game development by keeping budgets modest for upcoming projects. Studio director Ed Daly emphasized the importance of managing risk and fostering creativity within financial constraints. The studio is currently self-funding its games but acknowledges the need for future partnerships. Daly noted that larger budgets can lead to unsustainable practices and highlighted a shift in the industry towards more cost-conscious development, with many studios now operating within low-single-million budgets for double-A projects. The Chinese Room, which was acquired by Sumo Group in 2018, recently completed a management buyout to regain its independence.
Report: The Chinese Room has laid off small number of staff
AppWizard
June 20, 2025

Report: The Chinese Room has laid off small number of staff

The Chinese Room has reportedly reduced its workforce, with about ten employees seeking new job opportunities, although the studio has not confirmed the layoffs or the number of affected employees. Studio Director Ed Daly stated that more information about the studio's situation will be shared in the coming weeks. The studio, acquired by Sumo Digital in 2018, recently developed the Siren's Rest DLC for Still Wakes The Deep and took over the development of Paradox's Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 in 2023. Sumo Group has undergone significant changes, shifting back to a work-for-hire model and experiencing departures of its founders and several developers. Speculation exists regarding the future of The Chinese Room, including the possibility of a sale.
Sumo Group's founders are leaving the company
AppWizard
May 9, 2025

Sumo Group’s founders are leaving the company

Sumo Group is undergoing a leadership transition as CEO Carl Cavers, COO Paul Porter, and Director of Excellence and Integration Darren Mills step down after 22 years. CFO Andy Stewart and newly-promoted COO Gary Dunn will share the chief executive responsibilities. Tim Repa-Davies has been promoted to the board. Cavers expressed pride in their achievements and confidence in Sumo's future, while Stewart highlighted the natural evolution of the company.
Sumo sells Secret Mode to Emona Capital
AppWizard
March 3, 2025

Sumo sells Secret Mode to Emona Capital

UK-based gaming company Sumo Group has divested its publishing label, Secret Mode, to Emona Capital, with the leadership team continuing to guide the label's creative direction. The financial details of the transaction are undisclosed, and Secret Mode will remain an independent publisher. Ed Blincoe and James Schall expressed enthusiasm about the partnership and the opportunity to focus on indie game publishing. Emona Capital's managing partner, Dominik Dolenec, noted the potential for supporting Secret Mode's mission in the independent games sector. Secret Mode was founded in 2020 by Sumo Group, which is shifting towards a work-for-hire business model.
Sumo Group refocuses on work-for-hire development
AppWizard
February 4, 2025

Sumo Group refocuses on work-for-hire development

UK-based gaming company Sumo Group is shifting its focus towards the work-for-hire segment, which CEO Carl Cavers believes is crucial for long-term stability. He acknowledged that this decision will impact studios and employees but did not specify potential layoffs or the number of affected staff. Cavers emphasized the company's commitment to minimizing adverse effects on its workforce and supporting those impacted with transparency and care. Sumo Group aims to enhance its reputation as a premium development partner and leverage its expertise to create outstanding games for clients. The company previously laid off 15 percent of its staff in June 2024 and spun out Timbre Games into an independent developer in September 2024.
One day after trumpeting its big Summer Game Fest reveals, Sumo Group is laying off 15% of its workers and closing Timbre Games
AppWizard
June 12, 2024

One day after trumpeting its big Summer Game Fest reveals, Sumo Group is laying off 15% of its workers and closing Timbre Games

Sumo Group has announced layoffs of up to 15% of its workforce in order to secure the future of the business. This decision comes after showcasing multiple games at Summer Game Fest events and aims to reshape operations to navigate future challenges. The closure of development studio Timbre Games, founded by Sumo Group in July 2021, may result from these layoffs.
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