A new indie game publisher just hit the scene, and it’s got some serious industry cred behind it. Called The CoLab, this UK-based company is the brainchild of a few veteran game developers who want to shake things up and do things differently. Founded by Darren Newnham (formerly of United Label), Mark Faulkner (ex-Jagex), and John Lewis (Codemasters alum), The CoLab is all about creating a more collaborative and ethical space for indie game creators.
Instead of following the traditional publisher model that often puts investors and shareholders first, The CoLab is putting developers and players back at the center. They’re not just talking about being supportive—they’re building a collective where devs are true partners, and where transparency, creativity, and mutual respect are the priorities.
They’re already off to a strong start with three games announced: Campfire, a cozy story-driven sandbox from Team Emprenintes; DeadWire, a top-down cyberpunk shooter by Shotgun Anaconda; and Counter Clash, a strategy game from Bjenssen. All three bring something different to the table, and they hint at the kind of diversity and experimentation The CoLab wants to support.
Beyond publishing, The CoLab plans to host developer sessions later this year, giving creatives even more opportunities to connect and share knowledge. It’s a fresh take on what a game publisher can be, and one that feels especially timely as the indie scene continues to evolve.
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