[From the industry] Secret Sauce: the game agency trying to empower developers and publishers alike

George Willard, 30, and Sophie Atkin, 25, are the latest duo stepping up to the plate to create something new out of the rubble of the games industry layoffs this past year. Secret Sauce is a visibility agency focused on giving tailored support for solo developers, studios, and publishers, whether that’s supporting a development studio in self-publishing their game, helping build a studio’s brand, or supporting publishers in finding games which make sense for them.

George Willard: “The idea for Secret Sauce came from wanting to make a difference in the games space after hearing the same issues over and over from devs and publishers alike; but it became a reality after a ten minute company-wide call, where we were told we may all be about to lose our jobs.” 

Willard and Atkin want their company to focus on pragmatism, equity, and practicality. “We aren’t going to be an agency who over-promises and ‘thinks outside the box’. We are here for transparent and straightforward discussions, whether that’s around pricing or being able to identify our client’s needs. Part of our goal is to leave people feeling like they’ve been handed games industry duct tape and WD-40,” says Sophie. They’re already working with the likes of: Goose Byte, a Canadian development studio building a fresh take on the survival genre; US-based studio WALLRIDE GAMES; as well as the UK indie publisher Fireshine. 

To find out more about Secret Sauce and their services, please visit thesecretsauce.uk or check out Twitter, LinkedIn or drop an email to team@thesecretsauce.uk.