Emona Capital LLP has completed the acquisition of UK-based game publisher Secret Mode, marking its first investment in the publishing sector. The deal, led in collaboration with Ed Blincoe and James Schall, sees Secret Mode transition into an independent publisher with a renewed focus on supporting indie PC and console games.
Established in 2020 as part of Sumo Group, Secret Mode quickly gained recognition for its positive approach to game publishing. The company has earned industry accolades, including the UKIE Best UK Publisher Award in 2024 and the Best Influencer Marketing Award at the Debug Indie Game Awards. Its diverse portfolio includes critically acclaimed and commercially successful titles such as Still Wakes the Deep, A Little to the Left, Wobbledogs, and Eternal Threads.
Emona Capital, known for its strategic investments in the gaming industry, already backs major studios like Relic Entertainment and Amber Studio. This acquisition marks a new chapter in Emona’s expansion, deepening its commitment to the broader gaming ecosystem by moving into the publishing arena.
As part of the agreement, Secret Mode will operate independently while retaining its existing leadership. Ed Blincoe and James Schall will continue to lead the company with the full support of Emona Capital, driving the publisher into its next growth phase.
Speaking on the acquisition, Ed Blincoe commented:
We are passionate about fostering creativity in the indie game space, and partnering with Emona Capital allows us to fully focus on independent publishing.
Blincoe also acknowledged Sumo Group for their support during Secret Mode’s formative years and for facilitating its transition to an independent entity. James Schall echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the opportunities that independence brings. He said:
This new chapter allows us to focus entirely on discovering the hidden indie gems that players never knew they needed. We are committed not only to bringing future indie masterpieces to light but also to highlighting existing titles that may have gone unnoticed. Our mission is to empower independent developers worldwide, and we look forward to sharing exciting news soon.
From Emona Capital’s perspective, the acquisition represents a significant step toward reinforcing its presence in the gaming industry. Dominik Dolenec, Managing Partner at Emona Capital, praised Secret Mode’s achievements, stating:
Secret Mode has made a remarkable impact as a publisher of independent games. We are eager to support their mission and expand their reach across PC and console platforms.
Michael Moriarty, Partner at Emona Capital, emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition by saying:
Our investment in Secret Mode aligns with our goal to strengthen our position within the gaming ecosystem. This partnership complements our existing portfolio by adding expertise in independent game publishing.
Secret Mode has high hopes of maintaining the quality of its publishing with Emona Capital’s financial backing and industry expertise. Secret Mode is also teasing new announcements in the coming months which we are excited to hear. Secret Mode has some great titles under its publishing belt such as Still Wakes The Deep, Mars Horizon, Snake Pass, and the mind-bending puzzle game A Little to the Left.
Related News:
- Secret Mode Takes Over Mars Horizon Publishing Rights, Teases Mars Horizon 2 The Search for Life
- Still Wakes the Deep Gets New BTS Look Featuring its Worldbuilding
- Review: A Little to the Left: Seeing Stars – Artful Puzzles that Challenge and Captivate
- A Little to the Left Seeing Stars Expansion Announced for June 25 Release
What are your thoughts on Secret Mode getting acquired by Emona Capital? Do you think this move will help the publisher? Let us know in the comments section below.
