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

Three seasoned professionals from the UK gaming industry have joined forces to launch a fresh new indie publishing house named The CoLab.

This daring new endeavor is the brainchild of Darren Newnham, Mark Faulkner, and John Lewis, each bringing a wealth of experience from prominent roles across the sector. Darren Newnham has a background that includes working with United Label, Fnatic, and Disney Interactive. Mark Faulkner has honed his skills at Jagex, PlayFusion, and Bossa. Meanwhile, John Lewis boasts a solid track record from his days at Codemasters and Criterion.

The CoLab has already taken under its wing three exciting projects: the heartwarming game currently known as Campfire, the cyberpunk shooter DeadWire, and the strategic challenge of Counter Clash. Demonstrating a commitment to positive industry practices, the publisher has joined forces with the charity Safe in Our World. This partnership supports their mission to prioritize the mental health and wellbeing of gaming industry professionals during these challenging times.

“We’re calling for a revolution,” stated CEO Newnham, capturing the urgency of their mission.

He further elaborated on the current state of the industry, citing issues such as mass layoffs triggered by “greedflation,” indicating a crucial need for systemic change. He pointed out that too often, publishers focus on delivering value to shareholders rather than catering to the needs and desires of gamers. This misalignment has resulted in a trend of releasing unfinished games at steep prices, while developers suffer from project cancellations, unpaid labor, and even the loss of their creative rights.

“The CoLab is committed to driving a transformative shift,” Newnham continued, “by fostering a counter-revolution in our vision where creativity and collaboration thrive. We’re bringing innovative game creators together, sharing invaluable resources, and empowering developers to flourish in this fiercely competitive landscape. Our ambition is to integrate every developer who joins us into our collective, cultivating a nurturing community where lasting partnerships and meaningful rewards are the norm.”