Sumo India Studios Director Stewart Neal Shares Insights on Company's Growth and Esports Plans

The gaming industry in India is growing rapidly with different gaming developers showing their interest in building an ecosystem. Sumo Digital, the renowned British video game developer, has been a staple in the gaming industry since its inception in 2003. Over the years, it has amassed a significant portfolio of popular and critically acclaimed games. With its ever-growing success and a commitment to exploring new horizons, the company expanded its presence in India by opening a subsidiary studio in Pune in 2007. The most recent development in their expansion journey is the establishment of a second studio in Bangalore in 2021.

Sumo Digital has built a strong reputation for developing games that span various genres, from action-adventure to simulation. India Today Gaming spoke with Stewart Neal, studio director of Sumo India Studios, to learn about the company’s objectives and missions for the game development scene in India. Below are the excerpts from the interview:

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1. What is Sumo India's unique value proposition and how it differentiates itself from other developers?

- Sumo India Studios stands out in the competitive world of game development with a unique value proposition rooted in its rich history and exceptional talent. As a proud member of the Sumo Digital family, we have spent nearly two decades honing our craft and earning recognition as an award-winning games developer. What sets Sumo India apart is our impressive track record, having contributed to the gaming industry for 15 years, and this year, we proudly celebrate our 15th anniversary in India.

Our key differentiator lies in our role as a co-development studio, collaborating closely with various studios across the Sumo Group. We play a pivotal role in supporting projects and co-developing outstanding games across all platforms, including consoles, PC, and mobile. Our recent accomplishment speaks volumes about our capabilities, having worked on 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' alongside our Nottingham studios. This title, which launched just last month, has already made significant strides across the global gaming landscape, showcasing our ability to deliver world-class gaming experiences.

In essence, Sumo India Studios is more than just a game development studio; we are a hub of creativity and expertise, bringing together a diverse pool of talent to create immersive and engaging gaming experiences. With our long-standing commitment to excellence and a history of delivering exceptional games, we continue to differentiate ourselves and make a lasting impact on the gaming industry.

2. Over the past 15 years, the gaming industry has evolved significantly. How has Sumo India Studios adapted to these changes and remained competitive in the market?

- Over the past 15 years, Sumo India Studios has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability in response to the dynamic shifts within the gaming industry. As the industry itself has undergone transformational changes, we recognize that the success of our company hinges on our people – our talented and passionate teams.

To stay competitive and relevant in this rapidly evolving landscape, Sumo India Studios has adopted a multifaceted approach. Firstly, we've maintained a steadfast commitment to staying at the forefront of technology. This means investing in the latest tools and technologies, ensuring that our teams are equipped to harness the power of cutting-edge hardware and software in game development. Furthermore, we've embraced the emergence of new platforms, understanding that the gaming ecosystem now extends far beyond traditional consoles and PCs. Our adaptability has allowed us to thrive in the mobile gaming space and explore opportunities in virtual reality, augmented reality, and cloud gaming.

Crucially, Sumo India Studios recognizes the importance of continuous learning and skill development. We actively promote reskilling among our teams to keep up with the latest trends, methodologies, and design philosophies. This commitment to self-improvement ensures that we can consistently produce innovative and engaging games that not only meet but exceed evolving player expectations.

In essence, Sumo India Studios' ability to adapt, evolve, and embrace change has been pivotal in our continued competitiveness in the gaming market. We remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what gaming can achieve, all while staying true to our core values of creativity, innovation, and a passion for gaming excellence.

3. Could you describe the role of Sumo India Studios in contributing to the growth and development of the Indian gaming industry?

- Sumo India Studios plays a pivotal role in advancing the growth and development of the Indian gaming industry, carving a unique niche as one of the few co-development studios in India specializing in AAA PC/console games across all genres, including current and next-gen platforms. In a landscape where mobile and online gaming dominate, our contribution stands out.

One of our most significant contributions is the active mentoring of local talent. We understand that nurturing the next generation of game developers is crucial for the industry's growth. By sharing our expertise and providing guidance to emerging talent, we not only empower individuals but also fortify the Indian gaming workforce.

Additionally, our collaboration with indie developers showcases our commitment to fostering a vibrant gaming ecosystem in India. By partnering with smaller studios and offering support, we help indie developers gain valuable experience, access resources and reach a wider audience. Furthermore, Sumo India Studios actively participates in initiatives that promote the Indian gaming ecosystem on a global scale. We contribute to the industry's recognition on the international stage, which, in turn, attracts attention and investment, ultimately driving its growth.

Our role extends beyond game development; it encompasses employment, skills enhancement, and enabling local talent to work on games that are played globally. Sumo India Studios serves as a beacon of excellence and a catalyst for the Indian gaming industry, pushing boundaries and contributing to its vibrant evolution on both the national and international fronts.

4. As you have seen, the eSports industry is booming in India. And there are multiple titles that youngsters play and try to get into competitive gaming. So how do you see the Indian eSports system shaping up?

- You've just said in your question, obviously, it's growing. I think it will continue to grow, especially in India. Also, more and more people are moving to PC consoles. I guess as PC gaming evolves, this eSports is gonna grow with it. As the technology will be available, it will be growing the industry in the country. For me, there's no better way for people to show off their skills and show how good they are at certain games. So that platform to do that, it's absolutely going to get bigger. It's only gonna grow.

5. Will we see Sumo India hosting an esports tournament in the future?

While esports isn't a primary focus area for Sumo, we are genuinely excited to witness the progression of this dynamic industry within the country. While we may not have immediate plans to host esports tournaments, we remain open to opportunities that align with our core strengths and expertise in game development. Our primary commitment is to continue creating exceptional gaming experiences, contributing to the growth of the broader gaming ecosystem, which includes esports, in India.