The Chinese Room Becomes Independent From Sumo Digital
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- The Chinese Room gained its independence back from Sumo Digital.
- Sumo Digital acquired the studio around seven years ago.
- The development studio reportedly sought independence because of Sumo Digital’s switch to a development-for-hire model.
The Chinese Room gained its independence back from Sumo Digital, a decision that was reportedly prompted after Sumo Digital’s switch to a development-for-hire mode, news which was initially reported by IGN. Sumo Digital had initially acquired The Chinese Room in August of 2018.
The Chinese Room’s return to independence occurred through a management buyout, which was reported on July 20, 2025. According to an exclusive statement to IGN, this management buyout allows the studio to “scratch the creative itch of continuing to work on new, original intellectual property, but also to partner with other studios on other projects when they fit in with our vision.”
In addition, The Chinese Room saw an undisclosed number of layoffs – it is unclear whether these layoffs are independent from the ones reported earlier last month. Game Developer reports that the studio currently employees 55 developers, sourcing a statement sent to the media outlet.
The development studio has two unannounced IPs in the works. Still Wakes the Deep is the studio’s latest video game entry, which was released on June 18, 2024. As for Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, which, according to WCFTech is the studio’s most anticipated game, is slated to release in October.
