Sumo Group
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Inside Tencent's long-term strategy: live service, AI tools, and evergreen titles
Tencent's long-term strategy for its global games division centers on building sustainable communities through live service titles and evergreen IPs, alongside investing in high-quality talent and synergistic partnerships. The company is also embracing AI as a tool to enhance developer efficiency and iteration, rather than replace human roles, while navigating challenges in global integration and outsourcing.
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.
Ex-Sumo Group CEO Carl Cavers joins co-dev studio Vertpaint as non-exec director and shareholder
Co-development studio Vertpaint has appointed former Sumo Group CEO Carl Cavers as a non-executive director and shareholder. Cavers cited the talent and passion of the Vertpaint team as key reasons for joining, and believes the studio is well-positioned to adapt to the evolving co-development landscape. He also noted that while the industry faces challenges, he anticipates a return to more buoyant times within the next year.
"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.
Sumo partners with Arm to test AI-powered neural graphics tech
Sumo Group is partnering with Arm Holdings to develop AI-powered neural graphics technology. This collaboration aims to bring PC-class gaming experiences to mobile platforms.
Sumo partners with Arm to test AI-powered neural graphics tech
Sumo Group is partnering with Arm Holdings to test AI-powered neural graphics technology. The article discusses the current console generation, noting that Xbox Series X offers a strong game lineup despite PlayStation's slower exclusive release cadence. It also touches on past leadership issues at Xbox and the potential for PC games to be playable on future Xbox consoles.
Evening Interviews
Sumo Group has outlined a clear strategy for its future following a period of restructuring. The company aims to adapt to the evolving landscape of the gaming industry.
"We now have a clear vision for how Sumo fits into the new world" - inside the slimmed-down Sumo Group
Sumo Group, now co-led by Gary Dunn and Andy Stewart, is refocusing exclusively on co-development and work-for-hire services for partners, moving away from self-funded IP. This strategic shift follows staff reductions and the divestment of several studios, with support from parent company Tencent. The company aims to leverage its expertise in working with established IPs and offers flexible funding models, including co-funding, to collaborate on projects across various platforms like PC, consoles, and Roblox.
Still Wakes The Deep dev The Chinese Room signs with Lyrical Publishing for new title
BAFTA-winning studio The Chinese Room has partnered with new publisher Lyrical Games for its first new intellectual property since separating from Sumo Group. Lyrical Games will provide full financing and strategic support while ensuring the studio retains IP ownership. This collaboration marks a significant step for The Chinese Room, known for titles like Still Wakes the Deep and Everybody's Gone to the Rapture.
Why Hiro is bullish on UK and EU game dev funding after helping The Chinese Room and Bulkhead go independent
Hiro Capital, through its new advisory division, is bullish on the UK and EU game development funding landscape, seeing a rise in independent studios formed by experienced teams. The firm has already assisted The Chinese Room and Bulkhead Interactive in regaining independence from larger corporations. Factors like regulatory limitations on US investment for Asian companies and the availability of talent exiting larger firms contribute to Europe's attractiveness for game dev investment.
Secret Mode busted out of the Tencent-owned Sumo Group last year. Now what?
Secret Mode, an indie publisher owned by Sumo Group (which is in turn owned by Tencent), has successfully gained independence with the help of investment firm Emona Capital. This move came after Sumo Group announced a shift to exclusively focus on development services. Secret Mode's CEO Ed Blincoe and chief publishing officer James Schall detail the rapid acquisition process and the publisher's subsequent growth, including new hires and ambitious projects like Star Wars: Galactic Racer.
