Sumo Digital has introduced that it’ll not pursue engaged on unique IP titles and can as an alternative focus solely on working as a studio for rent for improvement companions.
In a press release shared with staff on Tuesday, Sumo mentioned that it had made the choice on account of pressures to “stability our artistic ambitions and the business realities to make sure the long-term stability and success of our enterprise”.
Sumo Digital is greatest identified for video games based mostly on associate IP, equivalent to Sackboy: A Large Journey and Crew Sonic Racing. Nevertheless, it beforehand created unique titles like Snake Cross, and VGC understands that a number of unique initiatives have been not too long ago in improvement on the firm.
It’s at present unknown if the builders assigned to these initiatives will likely be reassigned, however Tuesday’s assertion implies that layoffs are probably.
“After cautious consideration, we have now made the strategic resolution to focus Sumo Digital solely on improvement providers for companions – our core energy and the muse of our success,” its assertion reads.
“This may strengthen our place as a premium improvement associate, leveraging our experience to contribute to and create nice video games for our shoppers. Whether or not collaborating on new or established video games, co-developing video games, offering specialist engineering, or porting providers; we’re assured in our groups’ distinctive expertise and our potential to thrive on this subsequent chapter.”
It provides: “Unavoidably this transition will have an effect on our studios and folks. We’re dedicated to minimising this influence as a lot as attainable, exploring all choices to retain expertise, and supporting these affected with transparency, care, and compassion.”
Final 12 months, the Sumo Group laid off 15% of its staff. Sumo Group, which was wholly acquired by Chinese language tech big Tencent in January 2022, counts Sumo Digital (Sackboy: A Large Journey, Crew Sonic Racing) and The Chinese language Room (Pricey Esther, Little Orpheus) amongst its studios.
