Sheffield games company sees huge sales boost as people turn to gaming in lockdown

Sumo Group, which is based in Sheffield and provides creative and development services to the video game and entertainment industry, has said that the UK lockdown has caused a change in people’s leisure habits.

Since the lockdown, it says it has a 73 per cent increase in earnings visibility, reflecting an increase in people buying video games.

It also reported its results for 2019, announcing record revenues for the company at £49m - a 26 per cent rise from 2018.

Carl Cavers, CEO of Sumo Group, commented: “The group entered 2020 in great shape and global demand for our services remains strong.

“The video games market is forecast to grow at 9 per cent over the next three years and early indications show this increasing as COVID-19 ‘lockdown’ measures affect our leisure activities.

“Whilst March was challenging for the group operationally, as we transitioned to remote working, our people have risen to the challenge and are adapting well to their new working routines.

“Our low-risk business model, strong balance sheet and robust liquidity position, with £24m cash, provide firm foundations on which to withstand the challenges.

“I am pleased to report that we are not using any furloughing arrangements, nor do we expect or intend to do so.”

The firm is based in Brightside Lane, Sheffield.