Industry Veterans from Disney, Jagex, and Codemasters Launch The CoLab Publishing Company

Three well-known figures in the UK gaming scene have come together to launch an exciting new indie publishing company called The CoLab. This initiative is spearheaded by Darren Newnham, Mark Faulkner, and John Lewis. Newnham brings experience from his time at United Label, Fnatic, and Disney Interactive, while Faulkner has made his mark at Jagex, PlayFusion, and Bossa. Not to be left out, Lewis adds his expertise from Codemasters and Criterion.

The CoLab isn’t starting small; it already has three intriguing projects in the works. These include a warm and inviting game known by its code name, Campfire, a thrilling cyberpunk shooter called DeadWire, and a strategy game titled Counter Clash. In an admirable move, they’ve partnered with the charity Safe in Our World, emphasizing their commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of those in the gaming industry. Their mission is to stand by indie developers during challenging times for the industry.

CEO Darren Newnham passionately expressed the company’s mission, stating, “We’re on the brink of a revolution. We’re all about collaboration and teamwork, which is something this industry so urgently needs right now.”

He continued by highlighting some pressing issues, “With recent trends like widespread layoffs driven by what’s being called ‘greedflation,’ it’s clear there’s a need for change. Too often, publishers focus solely on shareholder profits rather than what gamers want, leading to a cycle where unfinished, overpriced games get pushed out. Meanwhile, developers are left dealing with cancellations, unpaid work, and even the loss of their own intellectual property.”

“The CoLab’s mission is to spark change by presenting a fresh vision. We bring together talented game creators, provide them with resources, and empower them to succeed in this competitive landscape. We aim to make everyone who joins us a key player in our collective, nurturing supportive relationships and ensuring rewarding outcomes for all involved.”