Update (3/4/2025): As a result of its independence from Sumo Group, Secret Mode has made a “small number” of layoffs.
Developers first revealed they were impacted on LinkedIn. A spokesperson for Secret Mode later confirmed to Eurogamer several positions had been eliminated, though they did not reveal a specific number.
Original story: Secret Mode, the publisher founded by Sumo Group in 2020, has been sold to Emona Capital for an undisclosed fee.
The deal was overseen by some familiar faces, with Secret Mode co-founder James Schall and VP of publishing Ed Blincoe partnering with Emona to lead the buyout.
The publisher—known for working on titles like Still Wakes the Deep, Eternal Threads, and Wobbledogs under the Sumo banner—will now focus on uncovering indie gems for PC and console as an independent entity.
Secret Mode will remain under the leadership of Schall and Blincoe, who said they have the “full backing” of Emona.
“By becoming independent, we can now put all our efforts into uncovering the indie gems that gamers never knew they needed in their lives,” said Schall.
“We are committed to bringing our players the very best indie titles; not just of the future, but also by helping them discover existing indie masterpieces that have undeservedly flown under the radar in years gone by. We are working hard to empower independent developers across the globe, and hope to make some exciting announcements on this front in the coming months.”
The deal was announced shortly after Sumo outlined plans to move away from internal development to focus exclusively on co-development work. The UK company, which is owned by Tencent, said the pivot will help it adapt to shifting “commercial realities.”
The decision followed widespread layoffs at the company.
Emona has previously invested in studios such as Relic Entertainment and Amber Studio, although Secret Mode represents its first foray into the world of publishing.