Secret Mode opens new Sheffield studio to support internal titles, starting with Escape the Backrooms and Chained Together

Indie publisher Secret Mode has established a new internal development studio in Sheffield to enhance its game lineup, which began with the hit Escape the Backrooms and Chained Together, acquired in June. The venture initially comprises three employees, with plans to expand to around 20 people within a year. The Sheffield office emerged following Dan Secker's appointment as VP of technology and operations in November 2025, who recognized the need for an in-house team to support the company's portfolio of products.

Secker explains that the team will focus on delivering additional content, such as new levels, cosmetic systems, and cross-platform porting, to maintain high retention and attract new players for Escape the Backrooms and Chained Together. Both titles are doing exceptionally well, with communities demanding more content. The development arm will initially concentrate on building extra content for these existing games and eventually explore porting to other platforms like Xbox, PS5, and Switch 2.

The Sheffield office aims to provide developers with opportunities to create content that reaches the community quickly, as opposed to spending time on lengthy AAA projects. Jake Habgood, technical development director, emphasizes the appeal of working on projects that already have a dedicated audience, as it allows for immediate impact.

The studio's goal is not to develop wholly owned titles but to support existing products and potentially create new IP in the future, similar to Sumo Digital's trajectory before its acquisition by Tencent.

Secret Mode, headquartered in Leamington Spa, chose Sheffield for its dedicated internal studio due to the city's rich talent pool and strong connections with local universities. Jake Habgood, who has a background in education, stresses the importance of fostering relationships with Sheffield's educational institutions, as young, passionate developers offer unique perspectives and energy.

The company intends to maintain active ties with these universities, serving as a real-world resource for aspiring professionals eager to learn from seasoned developers.