The Chinese Room Breaks Free: Still Wakes the Deep Devs Chart Their Own Course!
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
The Chinese Room, known for games like *Still Wakes the Deep*, has become an independent studio again after a management buyout from Sumo Digital, allowing them to focus on original projects like *Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2* and new IPs. This move ensures the studio remains British and continues its tradition of creating unique, atmospheric games.
Right, so the folks over at Eurogamer dropped a bit of a bombshell: The Chinese Room, the legends behind *Still Wakes the Deep* and *Everybody's Gone to the Rapture*, have just gone independent again. Seems like they pulled off a management buyout from Sumo Digital, who, in turn, were gobbled up by Tencent a while back. It's all a bit corporate, innit? But the important thing is, The Chinese Room gets to keep doing their thing.
And what *is* their thing? Well, making brilliantly weird and atmospheric games, mostly. *Still Wakes the Deep*, their oil rig horror, cleaned up at the BAFTAs, snagging awards for best new IP and some acting gongs. So, fair play to them, eh?
"This management buyout allows us 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," said studio director Ed Daly, according to Eurogamer. Sounds like they're keen to keep things experimental. Which, let's be honest, is what we want from them. No one wants another generic space marine shooter from The Chinese Room, do they?
Now, here's where it gets a bit spicy. Sumo Digital, earlier this year, announced they were shifting focus to "development services for partners." Aka, doing contract work. And, yeah, that led to layoffs last June – about 15% of the company. Ouch. They put The Chinese Room up for sale, and it looked like they might end up being bought by some overseas conglomerate. But, thankfully, the management buyout means they get to stay a British studio. Good on 'em.
Their next big project is *Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2*, which they're co-developing with Paradox Interactive. Remember that one? It's been through more development hell than... well, than a *Vampire: The Masquerade* character trying to resist the Beast. It was originally slated for the first half of 2025, but got pushed back to October. Fingers crossed it actually sees the light of day (or, you know, the darkness of night, given the subject matter).
Beyond that, The Chinese Room has two more original projects in the pipeline. Which is exciting! Given their track record, we're probably in for something a bit strange, a bit unsettling, and a whole lot brilliant. Let's hope this new independence gives them the freedom to really go wild. I reckon they've got some absolute crackers up their sleeves. Time will tell, eh?
Big shoutout to Eurogamer for breaking the news, by the way. Give their site a look for the full skinny. Right, back to tinkering with my spellbook... I mean, gaming PC.
Tags: The Chinese Room, Indie Games, Still Wakes the Deep, Vampire The Masquerade Bloodlines 2, Game Development
Original article: Eurogamer