[From the industry] Sheffield Wednesday and game developer Sumo Digital create a halftime hit

This is a press release posted in addition to our usual editorial content.

In a first for the football world, Sheffield-based game developer Sumo Digital has developed a brand-new game – Snake Party – exclusively for Sheffield Wednesday’s esports programme, which will be playable during home matches for the remainder of the season.

Developed by the Sumo Digital Academy – an apprenticeship programme run by Sumo Digital which creates new pathways into the games industry for both programmers and technical artists, Snake Party is a 3D reimagining of the classic Snake game where two players compete in round-based challenges. The young fans from each club selected to play the game at home matches will battle it out in as snake adorned with their team’s colours, with the game also being broadcast on the big screen in the stadium for football fans to cheer on their team representative!

Jacob Habgood, Director of Education Partnerships at Sumo Digital, said: “Since it launched in 2020, the Sumo Academy has developed a number of games, but being asked to create one to be played at a football stadium might be the most unique one yet! I’m delighted with the work that they have produced over the last year and look forward to seeing their efforts on the big screen!”

Rob Hawden, Business Development Manager at Sheffield Wednesday, said: “We immediately identified synergies with Sumo from our first meeting and are delighted to launch Snake Party, made by students to inspire young people.

“There are now a multitude of potential careers in the industry for young gamers and Sumo are helping make dreams a reality, with Snake Party a brilliant example!”

This new match-day offering is part of Sheffield Wednesday’s Owls Esports programme – which launched in 2022 and opened its state-of-the-art gaming suite earlier this year. The programme aims to engage young football fans in the world of gaming and create a grassroots esports brand within the professional football space.

Snake Party will debut during Saturday’s Sheffield Wednesday home game, and be available for young fans to play during matches for the rest of the season.