Secret Mode Secures Independence Through Leadership Buyout

The UK-based indie game publisher splits from Tencent-owned Sumo Group with backing from Emona Capital.

Secret Mode, founded in 2020, has become an independent publisher after being sold by Sumo Group for an undisclosed sum.
The buyout was led by Secret Mode's co-founder James Schall and VP of publishing Ed Blincoe, in partnership with investment firm Emona Capital.
Emona Capital, which has prior investments in gaming studios like Relic Entertainment, is making its first foray into publishing through this deal.
Secret Mode plans to focus on discovering and promoting indie games for PC and console, while continuing to support its existing portfolio, including titles like Still Wakes the Deep and Eternal Threads.
The move comes as Sumo Group shifts its business strategy to focus exclusively on development services, following significant layoffs and restructuring in 2024.