Secret Mode, the UK publisher of games like Still Wakes the Deep and A Little to the Left, has purchased its independence from Sumo Group, which, in turn, is a subsidiary of Tencent. Secret Mode's current leadership team, including co-founder James Schall and VP of publishing, Ed Blincoe, partnered with investment firm Emona Capital to get the deal done.
Founded in 2020, Secret Mode's investment portfolio includes some other compelling indies, including Dear Esther, Parcel Corps, and Eternal Threads (thanks, VGC). Schall and Blincoe will continue to lead the company: "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.
Sumo Group was wholly acquired by Tencent in 2022 and, like many others, was hit by a big round of layoffs in 2024. The monetary sum Secret Mode paid for its independence was not disclosed.