Three highly-regarded figures in the UK gaming scene have launched an exciting new indie publishing house, The CoLab. This innovative venture was initiated by Darren Newnham, Mark Faulkner, and John Lewis. Newnham, with experience from United Label, Fnatic, and Disney Interactive, joins forces with Faulkner, who has honed his skills at Jagex, PlayFusion, and Bossa. Lewis rounds out the trio, bringing his expertise from time spent at Codemasters and Criterion.
The CoLab is already bustling with three intriguing projects. They’ve got a cozy game known only as Campfire, a cyberpunk shooter titled DeadWire, and a strategic offering called Counter Clash. In a commendable move, The CoLab has teamed up with the charity Safe in Our World, highlighting their commitment to the mental well-being of folks in the gaming industry. They’re stepping up to support indie developers during an especially tough period for the industry.
“As far as we’re concerned, it’s time to start a revolution,” CEO Newnham declared. “Our focus is firmly on cooperation and collaboration, two things the industry is crying out for right now.”
Newnham didn’t hold back when addressing the current challenges. “Recent patterns, like widespread layoffs fueled by ‘greedflation,’ have shown just how urgently things need to shift. Too often, publishing companies put shareholder interests ahead of gamers, unleashing a wave of unfinished games with sky-high prices. Developers face a host of issues – from project cancellations to unpaid work and even losing their intellectual property.”
At its core, The CoLab seeks to be a driving force for positive change with what they describe as a counter-revolutionary vision. “We’re all about bringing together innovative game creators, pooling resources, and giving developers the tools they need to succeed in this highly competitive arena. When a developer comes on board with us, they become a vital part of The CoLab family. Our focus is on building supportive, long-lasting relationships that deliver rewarding outcomes,” Newnham explained eagerly.
