Sheffield-based video gaming firm Sumo Group plc said in an AGM statement on Thursday its pipeline of new business development opportunities now comprises a total contract value in excess of £500 million, a significant increase on the £429 million figure at February 28.

“Following an extraordinary year in 2020, when the group delivered 279 project milestones and launched or announced a total of 12 games, including five Own-IP, and completed its first major acquisition, the board is pleased to report that the global video games market remains strong and that the group is performing in line with expectations in the year to date,” said Sumo.

“Sumo Group now has four divisions, Sumo Digital, Pipeworks, Atomhawk and our recently created publishing division, Secret Mode.

“All divisions are trading well and we are encouraged by the early progress achieved at Secret Mode, which is reviewing a considerable number of internally and externally sourced titles.

“Overall, the pipeline of new business development opportunities now comprises a total contract value in excess of £500m, a significant increase on the £429m figure at 28 February 2021, which we reported in our Final Results 2020 announcement on 31 March 2021.

“Our Own-IP title shared with Focus Home Interactive, Hood, which is a dark re-imagining of the Robin Hood legend developed in our Sumo Digital Newcastle studio and published by Focus Home Interactive, launched in May this year.

“We are pleased with the reception the game has received since launch and we are now delivering the post launch plan including new content.

“We are delighted that Little Orpheus, developed by The Chinese Room, has been awarded the Apple Design Award for ‘Delight and fun’ for its platforming, storytelling, music and for bringing console-like experience to an accessible game.

“Pipeworks will shortly open a new studio in Vancouver and has recruited Joe Nickolls, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the industry and was most recently VP / GM at Electronic Arts – MAXIS Studio.

“This will be the group’s 14th studio …”