The Chinese Room Regains Independence

Still Wakes the Deep, The Chinese Room

Acclaimed British studio, The Chinese Room who are behind well-regarded walking simulators Still Wakes the Deep, Dear Esther and Everybody's Gone to the Rapture have regained their independence from parent company, Sumo Digital.

Studio Director, Ed Daly will remain at the helm of the company which has now secured funding from London and Luxembourg based venture capital firm, Hiro Capital. Hiro Capital have previously worked with Telltale Games and Skybound, who are working on the upcoming Invincible VS game.

The Chinese Room are already confirmed to be working on Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, which is being published by Paradox Interactive and is still expected to release this year.

The studio's most recent project was BAFTA award winning title, Still Wakes the Deep which we reviewed in high regard last year. Last month saw the release of its DLC, Siren's Rest which we also praised.

Statements from the studio and investor

As part of the news today, The Chinese Room have confirmed are working on two new IPs. In a statement about the new direction for the company, Daly had this to say: "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".

Spike Laurie from Hiro Capital was optimistic about their new venture with the studio in their statement: "From hiring British people to making games set in the UK, they've been one of our foremost creative studios and now they are once again in charge of their own destiny while remaining British".

Doubling down on the value of gaming to the UK economy, Laurie also added: "We are at risk of overlooking these creative gems and letting them be sold to overseas corporations…That is a travesty for the $5.5 billion British gaming industry which has a world-renowned reputation. We need to nurture this talent and support it through difficult times, because it is one of our leading creative exports."

What are your hopes for the future from The Chinese Room? Did you play Still Wakes the Deep or another one of their walking simulators? Let us know in the comments below and stick with GSC for all your gaming news.