TechTarget and Informa Techs Digital Business Combine.TechTarget and InformaTechTarget and Informa Techs Digital Business Combine.Together, we power an unparalleled network of 220+ online properties covering 10,000+ granular topics, serving an audience of 50+ million professionals with original, objective content from trusted sources. We help you gain critical insights and make more informed decisions across your business priorities.Secret Mode splits from Sumo to become independent publisherSecret Mode splits from Sumo to become independent publisherEmona Capital and Secret Mode leaders James Schall and Ed Blincoe led the buyout.Chris Kerr, News EditorMarch 3, 20251 Min ReadImage via Secret ModeSecret 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 publisherknown for working on titles like Still Wakes the Deep, Eternal Threads, and Wobbledogs under the Sumo bannerwill 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.Read more about:M&AAbout the AuthorChris KerrNews Editor, GameDeveloper.comGame Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, andPocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.See more from Chris KerrDaily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inboxStay UpdatedYou May Also Like