adminCarl Cavers joins Vertpaint as a non-executive director and shareholder, bringing experience from his time as co-founder and CEO of Sumo Group. The appointment comes as the co-development studio expands its work with publishers and independent developers while also developing its own original game.
Image credit: Sumo Group
Carl Cavers joins Vertpaint during a period of industry change
Cavers said he was attracted to Vertpaint by the team’s talent, commitment to quality and approach to its work. He also sees an opportunity for the studio to meet changing demand for co-development services. As production needs shift, studios may need partners with flexible teams and specialist skills that can contribute directly to a project.
The games industry continues to face challenges in the UK and internationally. Cavers compared current large-scale job reductions with previous periods when publishers and major developers sought to control costs. He believes opportunities remain, but that work is becoming more concentrated and new projects can carry greater risk.
Drawing on the industry’s difficulties between 2008 and 2012, Cavers said he expects conditions may take about another year to improve. In the meantime, he said Vertpaint’s priority is to be ready to support clients as their production requirements change. For studios seeking co-development support, a useful consideration is whether a partner can adapt its skills and team to the project’s needs.
Vertpaint’s background and current projects
CEO James Macleod founded Vertpaint in 2019 after working at Rockstar and Digital Extremes. In 2025, the studio announced it had received multi-million-dollar funding. Its work has included releases for Digital Extremes, Crytek, NetEase and Moonton.
Alongside its co-development projects, Vertpaint is making Ritual Tides, an original horror title formally revealed in March. The studio is also developing technology, tools and production methods for the project, which Macleod said can inform and strengthen its work with partners.
James Macleod | Image credit: Vertpaint
Why Vertpaint appointed Cavers
Macleod said Cavers’ experience building Sumo into a major UK games company and guiding it through its acquisition by Tencent will offer useful strategic perspective as Vertpaint grows. He described the appointment as a vote of confidence in the studio’s people, culture and ambitions.
Cavers’ introduction to the business came through an unusual connection: he met Callum Macleod, who later joined Vertpaint as commercial director, while they were driving in a pro-am lineup in the British GT Championship. James Macleod said he had admired Cavers’ work for years and viewed Sumo Digital as an example of what a successful UK games company could become.
Ritual Tides is an original horror project alongside Vertpaint’s co-development work. Image credit: Vertpaint
What’s next for Vertpaint?
Macleod described Vertpaint as well positioned to support clients across different genres, platforms and stages of development. He said demand continues for experienced co-development partners that can fit into existing production teams and deliver reliably. Rather than focusing on one genre or platform, the studio plans to work with teams looking for long-term collaboration.
For studios evaluating a co-development partner, reliable integration, relevant expertise and consistent delivery can be important factors. Vertpaint says Cavers’ experience will support its growth while the company aims to maintain its existing culture and quality standards.
With Cavers joining Vertpaint, the studio is combining client-focused co-development with investment in Ritual Tides and its underlying production technology. The appointment reflects Vertpaint’s plans for its next stage while the wider games industry navigates an uncertain market.
