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

Three seasoned professionals from the UK gaming industry have come together to launch an exciting new indie publisher known as The CoLab.

The brains behind this endeavor include Darren Newnham, Mark Faulkner, and John Lewis. Newnham carries with him a wealth of experience from his time with United Label, Fnatic, and Disney Interactive. Faulkner, on the other hand, has had an impressive career with roles at Jagex, PlayFusion, and Bossa. Rounding out the team, Lewis brings his extensive expertise from his previous work with Codemasters and Criterion.

Right out of the gate, The CoLab already boasts a lineup of three intriguing projects. These include the comforting game currently known as Campfire, an intense cyberpunk shooter titled DeadWire, and a strategic offering named Counter Clash. In a notable move, they’ve teamed up with Safe in Our World, a charity focused on mental health in the gaming sector, to highlight the emotional well-being of industry workers. The CoLab’s mission is to extend a helping hand to indie developers during what many see as a challenging period for the industry.

CEO Darren Newnham passionately shared, “It’s time for a change. We believe in fostering cooperation and collaboration, especially in an industry that is in dire need of it.”

He continued, “With trends like mass layoffs driven by ‘greedflation’, it’s clear we need a new way of thinking. Too often, the focus is on pleasing shareholders rather than gamers, resulting in a flood of games that are unfinished and overpriced. Meanwhile, developers find themselves facing canceled projects, unpaid labor, and even losing their intellectual property.

“The CoLab is here to inspire change, offering a fresh vision. By bringing together innovative game creators, sharing resources, and empowering developers, we aim to help them succeed in a fiercely competitive market. Our mission is to make each developer who joins The CoLab a vital part of our community, fostering a supportive atmosphere that encourages lasting relationships and successful outcomes.”