Seasoned industry professionals introduce a new independent publishing company, The CoLab

Today marks the launch of The CoLab, a new independent games publisher based in the UK.

The company was established by Darren Newnham, who previously served as CEO at United Label, along with Mark Faulkner, formerly a director of product at Jagex, and John Lewis, who held the role of senior art director at Codemasters. The aim of The CoLab is to work closely with indie developers.

Upon its debut, the publisher has unveiled three games: the story-driven sandbox Campfire by Team Emprenintes, the top-down cyberpunk shooter DeadWire by Shotgun Anaconda, and the strategy title Counter Clash by Bjenssen.

The CoLab plans to introduce more games this year and in 2026, in addition to organizing developer-led sessions, with the first planned for late 2025.

Additionally, the company has formed a partnership with Safe in Our World, a mental health charity in the gaming industry, aligning with its values of ethical practices, collaboration, and openness.

CEO Darren Newnham expressed, "In an industry in dire need of teamwork, we advocate for cooperation. The trend of widespread layoffs, fueled by excessive profit-seeking, highlights the necessity for significant change."

Newnham further remarked, "Game companies often put stockholder profit before the interests of players, resulting in games that are incomplete and overpriced. Developers have suffered setbacks such as project cancellations, unpaid labor, and loss of intellectual property."

"Our mission is to ensure every developer within The CoLab becomes a vital member of our group," added Newnham, aiming to cultivate a nurturing environment that encourages lasting partnerships and beneficial outcomes.