Video games have a long heritage in Sheffield, from Gremlin back in the 80s to Sumo Digital today. And from its humble beginnings, Sumo Digital has grown into a world-beating, multi-award-winning studio since it was founded in 2003.
Well known for titles such as LittleBigPlanet 3, Sonic All Stars Racing Transformed, and Xbox Fitness, Sumo Digital is going from strength to strength – despite the current climate. In 2020 alone they delivered 279 games projects, as well as launching or announcing another 12. And more recently they shared their involvement in big budget titles such as Call of Duty ®: Vanguard and Hogwarts Legacy.
While Sheffield has always been, and will always be Sumo HQ, it’s not stopped the South Yorkshire-based company expanding its operation in recent years. With offices in places such as Newcastle, Nottingham, and Brighton – they even have bases in Poland and India, creating a global offering of diverse, talented games designers.
And they’re not just focused on growing the business. The team are keen to grow and foster talent too, providing opportunities for graduates in the North who wish to pursue a career in the video games industry. That’s why they launched the Sumo Digital Academy in 2020.
This internship invites a select few graduates to learn on the job, developing real games and ultimately creating a live piece of work. The studio also runs regular Game Jams, giving staff the opportunity to develop their own game ideas, with some being released as new titles.
Winners of multiple accolades, as well as being ranked as a World Class Place to Work, Sumo Digital is an exciting place to be right now and certainly one to watch grow even bigger in the coming years.