Secret Mode

Secret Mode is a video game publisher focused on supporting and publishing titles from independent PC and console game developers. Initially established in March 2021 as the publishing division of Sumo Group, the company aimed to create lasting partnerships with developers. The leadership team included Director of Publishing James Schall, formerly of SEGA and Amazon, and Head of Marketing Derek Seklecki, who also came from SEGA and Nintendo.

In March 2025, Secret Mode became an independent publisher following a buyout led by its current leadership, co-founder James Schall and VP of Publishing Ed Blincoe, in partnership with investment firm Emona Capital. This move allows the company to focus entirely on discovering and promoting indie games. Emona Capital, which has prior investments in the gaming industry with studios like Relic Entertainment and Amber Studio, made its first venture into game publishing with this partnership.

As an independent entity, Secret Mode continues to be led by Schall and Blincoe. The company's business model is centered on publishing games for external independent developers as well as titles created by internal Sumo Group studios prior to the split. Their portfolio includes a variety of genres with titles such as *Still Wakes the Deep*, *A Little to the Left*, *Wobbledogs*, *Eternal Threads*, and *Parcel Corps*. The company's mission is to empower independent developers globally by providing resources, creativity, and industry knowledge to help their games succeed.

Keywords: video game publisher, indie games, PC games, console games, independent developers, game publishing, A Little to the Left, Still Wakes the Deep, Wobbledogs, Eternal Threads, Parcel Corps, Emona Capital, James Schall, Ed Blincoe, Sumo Group, DEATHSPRINT 66, Critter Café