Secret Mode
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Electronic Arts has appointed the head of EA Sports to oversee all of EA's operations, while Secret Mode has opened a new studio in Sheffield to support its internal game development projects.
Publisher Secret Mode opens development studio to support internal projects
Publisher Secret Mode has opened a new development studio in Sheffield to support its existing game portfolio with updates and DLC, manage platform ports, and assist external developers. The studio will be led by VP of technology and operations Dan Secker and technical development director Jacob Habgood. This move aims to keep Secret Mode's games thriving and players engaged post-launch.
Secret Mode opens new Sheffield studio to support internal titles, starting with Escape the Backrooms and Chained Together
Indie publisher Secret Mode has established a new internal development studio in Sheffield, initially comprising three people and aiming to expand to 20 within a year. This new division will focus on supporting the publisher's existing titles, starting with Escape the Backrooms and Chained Together, by developing new content and porting games to additional platforms like Xbox and PlayStation 5. The move aims to reduce reliance on external development and foster a culture of rapid content creation.
Should you work on your own games as an external development studio?
This article explores whether external development studios should also work on their own original games alongside client projects. While some studios like Redcatpig and Lab42 see internal projects as crucial for team motivation, skill development, and creative outlets, others like Code Wizards and Airship prioritize their service-based business model to avoid resource drain and client competition. The consensus suggests that while internal projects can offer significant benefits, careful management and clear focus are essential to balance them with external work.
The Most Anticipated Sports and Racing Games Arriving in the Second Half of 2026
The latter half of 2026 is set to feature a robust lineup of sports and racing games. Key releases include College Football 27 on July 9, Madden NFL 27 on August 13, and anticipated titles like NBA 2K27 and EA FC 27 expected in September. The article also highlights new entries in the Captain Tsubasa, Hot Wheels, Star Wars racing, and Nintendo Switch Sports franchises.
Fangtopia announced for Nintendo Switch 2
Secret mode and Absolutely Games have announced Fangtopia, a cozy tile puzzle game for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release before Halloween. Players will assemble landscapes to create a paradise for friendly ghouls and ghosts, with no time pressure and a focus on relaxed building and scoring.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer hands-on preview - this is not just podracing
Star Wars: Galactic Racer is an upcoming arcade racing game from Fuse Games, aiming to revive the genre with a Star Wars twist. The game features a roguelite campaign structure, deep vehicle customization, and combines various vehicle types, including podracers, in races. It is set to release on October 6, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, published by Secret Mode.
It’s coming home – Nutmeg gets free League Cup update with Gaffer Mode and World Championship matches
Secret Mode has released a free update for its retro football management deckbuilder NUTMEG!, adding the League Cup (Egg Cup), World Championship matches, and Gaffer Mode. The update introduces new challenges and scenarios, including historical and "what if" international fixtures, and enhances team selection control. NUTMEG! is available on Steam and was released in March 2026.
SCORE A BARGAIN WITH THE FOOTBALL FIESTA SALE ON STEAM!
The Steam Football Fiesta sale is offering discounts of up to 90% on over 60 football-related games. The sale, presented by independent publisher Secret Mode, includes titles like EA Sports FC 26 and Football Manager 2026. It began on June 11th and will run for two weeks.
FREE NUTMEG! UPDATE ADDS LEAGUE CUP, WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES, GAFFER MODE, AND MORE
Secret Mode announced a free content update for the football management simulation game NUTMEG!, launching on June 11. The update introduces a League Cup, World Championship matches with historical and 'what if' scenarios, and a new Gaffer Mode that increases difficulty and financial management. The game, developed by Sumo Digital Academy and Sumo Sheffield, combines deckbuilding mechanics with a 20-year career mode set in the 1980s and 90s.
Summer Game Fest 2026: Every Big Announcement Ranked and Explained
Summer Game Fest 2026 showcased a wide array of upcoming video game titles, with notable announcements including the third Final Fantasy VII installment, a remake of Resident Evil Code: Veronica, and the long-awaited sequel to The Wolf Among Us. The event highlighted the increasing saturation of the game market and featured titles aiming for distinct identities to stand out.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer™ explores bitter rivalries at Summer Game Fest
Star Wars: Galactic Racer, developed by Fuse Games and published by Secret Mode, received a new trailer at Summer Game Fest 2026. The trailer showcased the game's runs-based story campaign, rivalries between characters Kestar Bool and Shade, and a new location called Derven Acos. The game is set to release on October 6th, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Summer Game Fest 2026 highlights: 16 games coming to PS5
Summer Game Fest 2026 showcased numerous upcoming PlayStation 5 titles, including Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, Control Resonant, and Final Fantasy VII Revelation. New games like Crossfire and gen Atlas were revealed, alongside sequels such as Guild Wars 3 and Lords of the Fallen II. Expansions for Mafia: The Old Country and new titles like Resident Evil Veronica and Gundam Rogue Orbit were also announced.
September becomes a pile-up as publishers swerve to avoid GTA 6 | Opinion
The upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6 in November 2026 has caused a significant reshuffling of other major game launch dates, with many publishers opting for a crowded September release window to avoid direct competition. This clustering of high-profile titles like Marvel's Wolverine, Control Resonant, Silent Hill: Townfall, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword creates a commercial 'bloodbath' for consumers and publishers alike, as games are expensive and time-consuming, leading most players to purchase and focus on one title at a time.
"We're always on the hunt for new content" – Secret Mode on the surprise acquisition of Chained Together
Secret Mode has acquired the viral co-op platformer Chained Together from Anegar Games, with backing from Emona Capital. CEO Ed Blincoe stated that acquisitions are a core pillar of their strategy, alongside signing new titles. The publisher plans to bring in a new development team to expand content for Chained Together and is also continuing its support for the previously acquired game, Escape the Backrooms.
Chained Together links up with Secret Mode for future development
Publisher Secret Mode has partnered with Anegar Games for the continued development and support of the viral co-op platformer Chained Together. The game, which has sold over 10 million copies on PC, challenges up to four players to ascend through treacherous environments. Secret Mode, an independent publisher that has previously supported titles like Escape the Backrooms, will bring new development partners to the project.
Escape the Backrooms available now on Xbox Series X|S and PS5
The co-op horror game Escape the Backrooms is now available on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, featuring cross-platform play with PC. Priced at $12.99, the game offers over 30 levels of exploration and survival against terrifying entities. It is also available on various Xbox Game Pass tiers.
Steam Week in Review: 4 Backrooms games released on Steam last week, joining a list of over 500 cash-ins, parodies and…
The release of a Backrooms movie has coincided with a modest influx of four new Backrooms-themed games on Steam, adding to a library of over 500 titles. While many are low-effort cash grabs, some like Escape the Backrooms, Inside the Backrooms, The Complex: Expedition, and Within the Backrooms offer more engaging experiences. Steam's top sellers list includes titles like Forza Horizon 6 and Counter-Strike 2, with Paralives showing strong interest in the life simulation genre.
Escape the Backrooms console ports now available
Publisher Secret Mode and developers Fancy Games and Blackbird Interactive have released console versions of Escape the Backrooms for Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. The horror game, previously available on PC, features over 30 unique levels, co-op multiplayer for up to 4 players, and proximity voice chat.
Escape The Backrooms – One Of PC’s Biggest Horror Hits Joins Game Pass
Escape The Backrooms, a popular PC horror game, has launched on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, and is available on day one for Game Pass subscribers. The game features over 30 levels inspired by the Backrooms internet phenomenon and supports up to four-player online co-op with cross-platform play.
