The Chinese Room Finalizes Management Buyout

So, here’s this thing that just happened. The developer, The Chinese Room, you might’ve heard of them, well, they’re flying solo now. Yeah, they broke away, did this management buyout thing. It’s like when a band member finally breaks free – cue the rock music.

I read about it on GamesIndustry.biz, and now my brain’s all, “What does this really mean?” They shook off the whole Sumo Digital ownership. Venture capital folks from Hiro Capital made it happen. Details on the cash involved? Total mystery. How much Hiro now owns? Your guess is as good as mine.

Oh, and about those layoffs? Yep, they did cut some folks loose, sadly. Ed Daly, who’s like the studio director or something, mentioned it. It’s hush-hush on numbers, but the current headcount’s 55. Not easy, he said, breaking away from Sumo and all.

They’re not just chilling, though. Got plans for original stuff, plus they’re tag-teaming with others. Remember “Still Wakes the Deep” and that tricky “VtM – Bloodlines 2” gig with Paradox Interactive? Yup, they’re on it.

And if you’re keeping score, they’re juggling two IPs right now. New titles or something, I assume. Oh, and there’ve been some shuffles in the lineup – John McCormack’s now the studio creative director. He used to be the art guy. And Ross Manton’s stepped up the ladder from Vampire: The Masquerade work to production director. Promotions can be spicy, right?

So that’s the gossip – a mix of independence, changes, and… well, let’s see where this rock ‘n’ roll ride takes them.