Veterans from Disney, Jagex, and Codemasters Launch New Publisher, The CoLab

Three seasoned professionals in the UK gaming scene have joined forces to introduce a fresh indie publisher, The CoLab.

This new endeavor brings together Darren Newnham, Mark Faulkner, and John Lewis, each with a rich history in the gaming industry. Darren Newnham has previously lent his expertise to United Label, Fnatic, and Disney Interactive. Mark Faulkner’s experience spans time at Jagex, PlayFusion, and Bossa, while John Lewis brings his veteran insights from Codemasters and Criterion to the table.

Already, The CoLab has three exciting projects lined up: a heartwarming title known by its code name, Campfire; the cyberpunk shooter, DeadWire; and a strategy game called Counter Clash. Moreover, they’ve partnered with the charity Safe in Our World to push for mental well-being in the gaming industry—a sector currently facing challenging times. The CoLab’s mission? To stand by indie developers and offer a helping hand when it’s most needed.

“It’s time for a rebellion. We stand for cooperation and collaboration in an industry that desperately needs it,” says CEO Newnham. The gaming landscape has been rocked recently by trends like mass layoffs, fueled by what he terms ‘greedflation.’ This has highlighted how crucial a shift in perspective is. Many publishers are more focused on boosting shareholder value than catering to gamers, which leads to unfinished games hitting the market with prices that don’t match the content offered. Developers often suffer from cancelled projects, unpaid labor, and even losing ownership of their original ideas.

The CoLab is set on driving change with what they see as a counter-revolutionary vision. They aim to bring innovative game creators together, pooling resources, and empowering developers to excel in the fiercely competitive gaming market. Ultimately, the goal is to make every developer part of The CoLab’s community, nurturing a supportive atmosphere that cultivates enduring relationships and fruitful outcomes for all involved.