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The Chinese Room Regains Independence Through Management Buyout

Securing UK ownership and creative freedom, the buyout positions the Brighton studio for an October launch of Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 with two original projects underway.

Overview

  • The Chinese Room completed a management buyout from Sumo Digital after Sumo Group shifted its strategy toward co-development services.
  • Venture capital firm Hiro Capital facilitated the funding package that enabled the studio’s return to independence.
  • The divestment led to redundancies that trimmed the team to 55 developers, and no further layoffs are planned.
  • Studio director Ed Daly said full autonomy will let the team focus on creating new original intellectual properties alongside selective partnerships.
  • The studio is finalizing Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 for its October 2025 release and is developing two unannounced game projects.