Three seasoned professionals from the UK gaming scene have come together to launch an exciting new indie publishing company known as The CoLab.
This promising venture is spearheaded by industry veterans Darren Newnham, Mark Faulkner, and John Lewis. Newnham brings experience from United Label, Fnatic, and Disney Interactive to the table. Faulkner has enriched his career with time at Jagex, PlayFusion, and Bossa. Meanwhile, Lewis boasts a robust background with his work at Codemasters and Criterion.
The CoLab is already making waves with three intriguing projects lined up: a delightful game currently under the codename Campfire, an edgy cyberpunk shooter titled DeadWire, and a strategic masterpiece named Counter Clash. Beyond game development, they’ve teamed up with the charity Safe in Our World, emphasizing mental health support for those working in the gaming sector. The CoLab is set on being a beacon of support for indie developers navigating through these challenging times in the industry.
CEO Darren Newnham shared, “We’re stirring up a revolution, prioritizing cooperation and collaboration. The industry is crying out for these values. Recent trends, like widespread layoffs triggered by ‘greedflation,’ show a desperate need for change. Too often, publishers focus more on profits than on players, resulting in games being released half-baked at sky-high prices. This leaves developers in sticky situations, dealing with project cancellations, unpaid work, and loss of their creative rights.”
He added, “At The CoLab, we’re here to inspire change through a counter revolution in how we think and operate. By bringing together creative minds, pooling resources, and empowering developers, we’re setting the stage for success in this competitive arena. Our mission is to make each developer a vital piece of our collective puzzle. We’re all about fostering a supportive community where long-lasting partnerships flourish and bring about rewarding returns.”
