Indie publisher Secret Mode has established a new internal development studio in Sheffield, England, to provide support for its growing catalogue of games. The initial focus will be on two recent titles: Escape the Backrooms and Chained Together, which the company acquired in June. The move marks a significant step in the publisher’s operational strategy, shifting towards a hybrid model that combines external partnerships with in-house development capabilities.
The new venture launched with a core team of three people. According to company statements, the studio is projected to expand to approximately 20 employees over the next twelve months. This phased growth plan suggests a deliberate approach to scaling, allowing the team to integrate with existing projects without disrupting current workflows.
Strategic Shift for the Publisher
Secret Mode, which operates as an independent label under the Sumo Group umbrella, has traditionally relied on external developers. The creation of an internal studio represents a change in how the company will manage its portfolio. By bringing development support in-house, Secret Mode aims to streamline the production process for titles it owns or publishes.
The selection of Sheffield as the studio’s location aligns with the city’s growing reputation as a hub for game development in the UK. The area already hosts several established studios and development tools companies, providing a pool of experienced talent. The decision to establish operations there likely reflects both logistical considerations and access to a skilled workforce.
Focus on Acquired Titles
The immediate workload for the new Sheffield team will center on Escape the Backrooms and Chained Together. Escape the Backrooms, a survival horror game based on internet folklore, has gained a notable player base since its release. Chained Together, acquired in June, is a cooperative physics-based platformer that challenges players to climb an endless tower.
Details regarding the specific nature of the support work have not been fully disclosed. However, industry norms suggest that internal teams typically handle post-launch updates, bug fixes, port development, and content expansions. For a publisher managing multiple live titles, having an internal team reduces dependency on external contractors for ongoing maintenance.
Industry Context and Implications
The move comes amid a broader trend of publishers seeking more direct control over their intellectual property. By investing in internal talent, companies can reduce turnaround times for critical updates and maintain consistent quality standards. For Secret Mode, this development may also reduce costs associated with outsourcing support work for smaller titles.
The expansion plan over the next year will be a key indicator of the studio’s trajectory. If the team reaches its target of 20 members, it would position Secret Mode to potentially take on larger projects or support multiple titles simultaneously. The company has not announced whether the Sheffield studio will eventually develop original games or remain focused on support roles.
Observers will be watching how this structural change affects the release cadence for Secret Mode’s future projects. The publisher has not confirmed any new acquisitions or original titles in development at the new studio. However, the internal capacity could allow the company to respond more quickly to emerging trends in the indie game market.
Recruitment efforts for the Sheffield studio are expected to ramp up in the coming months. The company has not published a public timeline for reaching its full staffing target, but the stated twelve-month window provides a reasonable expectation for when the studio will operate at full capacity.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz
