Three experienced professionals from the UK gaming scene have launched a fresh indie publishing company called The CoLab. This exciting new endeavor is the brainchild of Darren Newnham, Mark Faulkner, and John Lewis. Newnham brings his expertise from roles at United Label, Fnatic, and Disney Interactive. Faulkner adds his experience from working with Jagex, PlayFusion, and Bossa, while Lewis contributes his extensive background with Codemasters and Criterion.
The CoLab is already making waves with three intriguing games on their roster: a charming project known as Campfire, a thrilling cyberpunk shooter called DeadWire, and a strategic adventure game named Counter Clash. Additionally, the company has teamed up with the charity Safe in Our World, aiming to highlight and support the mental health of those working in the gaming industry. The CoLab’s mission is clear—offer assistance to indie developers during these challenging times.
CEO Newnham passionately expressed the need for change: “It’s time for a rebellion. We advocate for cooperation and collaboration in a sector that sorely needs it.” He pointed out that recent trends like widespread layoffs, driven by what he terms as ‘greedflation,’ reveal the necessity for a fundamental shift in priorities. Often, companies prioritize financial gain over the actual gaming experience, leading to incomplete games being sold at high prices. This focus frequently results in developers facing hurdles such as cancellations, uncompensated work, and even the loss of their creative rights.
The CoLab’s mission is straightforward: they aim to spearhead a reimagined approach. By gathering inventive game creators and offering shared resources, they seek to empower developers to not just survive but thrive in the tough gaming market. The ultimate goal is to integrate each developer into the heart of their community, nurturing an environment that values lasting relationships and provides meaningful success for all involved.
