Still Wakes the Deep Dev The Chinese Room Announces Independence and 2 New Projects

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The studio known as The Chinese Room, previously under the umbrella of Sumo Digital, is now operating independently and has revealed two upcoming projects. This British game developer has experienced some challenging times recently, with layoffs and ambiguity affecting Sumo Digital and its affiliates over the past few months. However, there might be better days ahead for the team behind “Still Wakes the Deep“.

In June 2025, it was confirmed that The Chinese Room had undergone layoffs as part of Sumo Digital’s corporate reorganization strategy. This reduction in workforce affected at least nine employees, causing speculation about the release date of Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, a game that had already faced several delays. Despite assurances that development was continuing smoothly for Bloodlines 2, this move raised concerns within the studio, which has recently severed ties with its parent company to gain more autonomy and creative control.

As a dedicated fan, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news! Recently, I was privileged to learn that The Chinese Room has successfully completed a management buyout, with valuable assistance from venture capital firm Hiro Capital. This transformation empowers us as a team to stand independently, proudly owning our destiny as a developer company. Our fearless leader, Ed Daly, expressed his enthusiasm, stating this new status will enable us to focus on developing fresh, unique intellectual properties.

This announcement follows closely after Sumo Digital’s decision to halt the creation of original IPs, potentially relegating studios like The Chinese Room (responsible for games such as “Still Wakes the Deep”) to support roles instead. However, the developers themselves hinted at a likely sale of The Chinese Room to another parent company, making our journey towards independence even more appealing.

The Chinese Room Breaks from Sumo Digital and Announces Two Upcoming Projects

Alongside its declaration of independence, The Chinese Room unveiled not one but two upcoming projects they are working on. Unfortunately, specific details about these games and their release dates remain undisclosed, but the studio emphasizes its dedication to unique intellectual properties following its separation from Sumo Digital. However, original IPs aren’t the only things you can look forward to from this developer. Back in 2023, The Chinese Room took over the development of Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 and is currently planning for a release in October 2025. Once Bloodlines 2 is out, we might get more information about their other projects.

For gamers, the independence of The Chinese Room could be a refreshing change from the industry turbulence caused by acquisitions and mismanagement at large companies, as seen in recent layoffs at Microsoft. This indie developer’s self-rule feels like a triumph for smaller game studios in an environment where their future is becoming increasingly unpredictable.

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2025-07-21 16:34