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

Three seasoned professionals from the UK’s gaming scene have come together to launch a new indie publishing venture known as The CoLab.

This exciting initiative is the brainchild of Darren Newnham, Mark Faulkner, and John Lewis. Newnham brings his experience from United Label, Fnatic, and Disney Interactive to the table, while Faulkner has honed his skills at Jagex, PlayFusion, and Bossa. Rounding out the trio is Lewis, who has etched his legacy at Codemasters and Criterion.

The CoLab has already taken three intriguing projects under its wing: a heartwarming game with the working title Campfire, the futuristic shooter DeadWire, and a strategic challenge known as Counter Clash. Additionally, they’ve formed a collaboration with the charity Safe in Our World, aiming to spotlight the importance of mental health within the gaming industry. Their mission is clear: to assist indie developers as the gaming world navigates through challenging times.

“Our industry is ready for a revolution. We’re all about fostering teamwork and collaboration in a sector that’s crying out for it,” explains CEO Newnham.

He highlights current challenges, including widespread layoffs exacerbated by what he terms as ‘greedflation.’ This term reflects a troubling trend where financial gain for shareholders trumps gamers’ needs, creating a cycle of games that hit the shelves unfinished and overpriced. Developers are often caught in the crosshairs, dealing with project cancellations, unpaid efforts, and even losing rights to their own creations.

The CoLab is on a mission to drive a transformative change, advocating for a counter-revolution in gaming. They aim to bring together visionary game creators, share essential resources, and provide the tools developers need to succeed in today’s fiercely competitive landscape. The aspiration is for every developer joining The CoLab to become a vital member of their collective, nurturing an environment that values long-term connections and rewarding successes.