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

Three seasoned professionals from the UK gaming scene have embarked on an exciting new journey by launching an indie publishing label named The CoLab.

This initiative is the brainchild of Darren Newnham, Mark Faulkner, and John Lewis. Newnham brings a wealth of experience from his time at United Label, Fnatic, and Disney Interactive. Meanwhile, Faulkner’s career has spanned roles at Jagex, PlayFusion, and Bossa. Rounding out the trio, Lewis has honed his expertise at Codemasters and Criterion.

The CoLab isn’t starting small; they’ve already lined up three intriguing projects. These include a charming game currently going by the codename Campfire, a cyberpunk-themed shooter called DeadWire, and a strategic affair known as Counter Clash. Beyond just games, The CoLab has teamed up with Safe in Our World, a charity focused on mental health in the gaming industry, highlighting their commitment to supporting developers’ well-being during these challenging times.

CEO Darren Newnham didn’t mince words when describing their mission. “It’s time for a rebellion. We stand for cooperation and collaboration in an industry that desperately needs it,” he stated.

Newnham further elaborated on the pressing issues facing the industry. “Recent trends, such as mass layoffs propelled by what some call ‘greedflation,’ have highlighted the urgent need for change. Too often, publishers focus on maximizing shareholder value at the expense of gamers, which results in the release of unfinished, overpriced games. Developers have been grappling with issues like project cancellations, unpaid labor, and even the loss of their intellectual property.”

In response to these industry woes, The CoLab aims to spearhead a movement for change. They’re about rallying creative minds, sharing resources, and giving developers the tools they need to thrive in today’s fiercely competitive market. For Newnham and his partners, the vision is clear: every developer who becomes part of The CoLab is a cornerstone of their community, fostering adaptive relationships and rewarding successes over the long haul.