Industry experts have introduced a new independent publishing company, The CoLab

A new company called The CoLab has emerged in the UK as an independent games publisher. It is founded by Darren Newnham, previously the CEO of United Label; Mark Faulkner, who was Jagex's director of product; and John Lewis, who served as senior art director at Codemasters.

The CoLab aims to back indie game developers through cooperative processes. Initially, the company is releasing three games: a narrative-driven sandbox by Team Emprenintes named Campfire, a top-down cyberpunk shooter called DeadWire from Shotgun Anaconda, and a strategy title termed Counter Clash by Bjenssen.

More game releases are expected later this year and continuing into 2026. Additionally, The CoLab intends to hold developer-led sessions, starting by late 2025.

Aligning with its publishing values of ethics, teamwork, and transparency, The CoLab has forged an alliance with Safe in Our World, a mental health charity for the gaming industry.

CEO Darren Newnham commented on the company's mission, emphasizing the necessity for cooperation in an industry currently influenced by widespread job cuts due to financial motivations. He highlighted that publishers frequently focus on shareholder interests at the expense of gamers, resulting in overpriced and incomplete games, and developers experiencing project cancellations, uncompensated work, and loss of intellectual property.

Newnham stated that The CoLab endeavors to incorporate every developer into its community, fostering a nurturing environment meant for building enduring relationships and achieving beneficial outcomes.