Secret Mode Expands Its Portfolio with Acquisition of Hit Co-op Game Chained Together

Secret Mode, backed by Emona Capital, has acquired the popular co-op platformer Chained Together, aiming to build on its success and pursue further growth through strategic acquisitions.

Editorial Team · Jun 5, 2026 · 2 min read · Source: gamesindustry.biz

Secret Mode has secured the rights to Chained Together, a co-op platformer developed by Anegar Games that has sold over 10 million copies since its launch earlier this year. The game’s unique premise involves players ascending from hell while physically linked to teammates, offering a demanding cooperative experience that has resonated with a large player base.

The acquisition marks a continuation of Secret Mode’s aggressive content expansion strategy following its spinoff from Tencent-owned Sumo Group in early 2025. Supported by private equity firm Emona Capital, Secret Mode has used this backing to acquire well-known titles, including Escape the Backrooms and Star Wars: Galactic Racer. CEO Ed Blincoe highlighted that securing high-potential games through acquisitions remains a "core pillar" of the company’s aim to grow its publishing portfolio.

According to Blincoe, the deal for Chained Together was internally driven by Secret Mode’s team, with financial expertise provided by Emona Capital during due diligence. This approach mirrors the acquisition process behind Escape the Backrooms, a horror co-op game initially launched in early access and now preparing for its full Steam release. Escape the Backrooms saw a recent surge in player activity linked to the success of the Backrooms film, demonstrating the impact of cross-media exposure.

Secret Mode actively pursues new content through direct outreach, industry events, and maintaining strong relationships with developers, agents, and financial partners. The company views such deals as an essential way to supplement its lineup of new titles while leveraging existing successful multiplayer experiences with proven audiences.

While Blincoe did not disclose financial terms or specific conditions of the Chained Together deal, he confirmed that Emona Capital remains positioned to provide further investment for similar acquisitions going forward. This financial support aims to enhance Secret Mode's capacity to respond quickly to attractive opportunities in the competitive game publishing market.