Secret Mode Gains Independence After Emona Capital Buyout: What This Means for Indie PC and Console Games

Emona Capital LLP Completes Acquisition of Secret Mode, Driving New Era for Indie Game Publishing Investment firm Emona Capital LLP has officially acquired Secret Mode, the publisher well-known for its support of innovative indie titles such as A Little To The Left, Wobbledogs, and Loddlenaut.

The acquisition marks Secret Mode’s transition to full independence, following its previous ownership by Sumo Group, a company under the Tencent umbrella.

This strategic buyout not only strengthens Emona Capital’s growing footprint in the global gaming industry but also sets the stage for renewed focus on supporting independent games for PC and console platforms, including the Nintendo Switch. Founded in 2018, Secret Mode has become a recognized name in the indie publishing sector, bringing unique games to digital storefronts like the Nintendo eShop and Steam.

With Emona Capital already holding stakes in prominent studios such as Relic Entertainment and Amber Studio, this latest acquisition signals the firm’s sustained commitment to fostering creativity in the games industry.

The deal was reached in collaboration with Secret Mode’s leadership, including Ed Blincoe and James Schall, to ensure the publisher’s new direction as an autonomous entity. Speaking on the occasion, James Schall reiterated Secret Mode’s dedication to unearthing and promoting hidden indie gems.

According to Schall, the company’s newfound independence will allow the team to devote their full resources to discovering emerging talent and supporting developers worldwide.

He emphasized that Secret Mode is hard at work empowering independent game makers across the globe, hinting that the industry can expect exciting news in the near future regarding upcoming projects and partnerships. This transition comes at a significant moment.

In 2024, Sumo Group—Secret Mode’s former parent—announced sizeable reductions in its workforce, reducing staff by 15% and stating that further impacts could occur as it shifted away from original intellectual property projects.

The sale of Secret Mode to Emona Capital represents a decisive move to ensure stability and continued investment in new gaming experiences during a challenging period for the broader industry. With a strong track record for bringing creative indie games to platforms like PC and Nintendo Switch, Secret Mode is well-positioned to expand its portfolio and provide fresh opportunities for developers and players alike.

As the publisher moves forward under Emona Capital’s stewardship, the Nintendo gaming community and indie game enthusiasts can look forward to news on forthcoming titles designed to captivate audiences both on the eShop and beyond.

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