FuturLab
CompanyUnited Kingdom
FuturLab is a remote-first game studio based in Brighton, UK. Fuelled by ceaseless creativity, FuturLab has been developing unique gaming experiences for over 20 years. Recently, we’ve turned our attention to pioneering a new genre of frictionless fun, propelled by our pressure-releasing hit, PowerWash Simulator.
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About the company
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Links
- Official site
Company data from IGDB.com
Documents about FuturLab
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and GTA 6: The Video Game Industry’s Barbenheimer Moment
The simultaneous November releases of the The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake and Grand Theft Auto 6 represent a pivotal moment for the global console market, functioning as a cultural phenomenon that is expected to drive substantial hardware engagement.
- The Zelda Nintendo Direct reveal reached 2.1 million peak viewers, significantly outperforming the 1 million peak for the recent PlayStation State of Play and the 2 million peak for Gamescom Opening Night Live.
- The GTA 6 reveal remains the industry benchmark for engagement, drawing 4.1 million peak viewers on YouTube, excluding Netflix platform data.
- Ubisoft has launched a 'Player Council' initiative that incentivizes users to provide feedback on prototypes and future updates in exchange for access to confidential projects and deeper development insights.
Weekly Industry Briefing: Europe
This weekly industry briefing provides a comprehensive overview of significant developments within the mobile gaming sector as of early June 2026.
- Supercell, King, and Sybo executives have criticized new EU proposals, stating they could render free-to-play games "unplayable in Europe."
- Atari acquired Hipster Whale, the developer of Crossy Road, for an initial $29.3 million, with an additional $10 million in earnouts over three years, as part of Atari's expansion into mobile game development for platforms like Netflix and Amazon.
- Liftoff's IPO is back on, valuing the adtech firm at $3.83 billion after offering 19 million shares of common stock at $23 each, raising $437 million.
Supercell reboots Mo.co, Fortnite is back on iOS, Nintendo's next mobile game, Embracer, Wooga, more
The mobile gaming industry is currently navigating a period of strategic pivots, legal challenges, and financial recalibration.
- Embracer Group has written down the value of its mobile division—comprising CrazyLabs, A Thinking Ape, and Deca—by $192.4 million following a 57% year-on-year decline in net sales to $244.9 million.
- Supercell has rebooted its monster-hunting title 'Mo.co' with a new season pass structure, though the game continues to rely exclusively on cosmetic monetization, raising concerns about its long-term viability compared to the discontinued 'Squad Busters'.
- Fortnite has returned to the iOS App Store worldwide (excluding Australia), a move Epic Games is using to force transparency regarding Apple's commission structures and fee-related legal challenges.
Aream & Co. Gaming CEO Survey 2025
The survey, conducted by Aream & Co., gauges executive optimism regarding consumer spending on gaming in 2025 across multiple channels and functional areas.
- Industry sentiment for 2025 is largely stable or positive, with 98% of CEOs reporting that consumer spending will be either unchanged (49%) or more optimistic (49%).
- M&A activity is expected to accelerate, with 71% of executives anticipating an increase in deal-making throughout 2025.
- In-app purchases are the primary revenue driver, with 80% of respondents optimistic about growth compared to only 41% for in-app advertising.
Annual Review 2021: Ukie
The United Kingdom games industry experienced a period of profound expansion and heightened public visibility throughout 2021, underpinned by a record valuation of £7 billion in the preceding year.
- The UK games industry reached a record valuation of £7 billion, bolstered by a 30 percent surge in consumer spending during 2021 lockdowns.
- Ukie expanded its membership to a record 526 companies while actively managing regulatory challenges, including loot box inquiries and the Online Safety Bill.
- Despite an 11 percent decline in B2B event revenue, Ukie maintained financial stability, reporting a profit of £130,154 for the year.
FuturLab's James Marsden talks upscaling safely
Sustainable studio growth in the independent game development sector requires a disciplined approach to risk management, particularly when transitioning from small-scale projects to larger productions.
- Sustainable studio growth requires avoiding rapid, capital-driven hiring to prevent the financial instability often caused by over-expansion.
- FuturLab’s transition from a core team of three or four developers to a staff of thirteen demonstrates the effectiveness of scaling only when specific specialist roles—such as engine development or visual effects—are required.
- Studios should prioritize the security of team livelihoods by learning from past project cancellations and the subsequent risks of downsizing.