New publisher Gamesco developing online games based on Hollywood IP

A new UK games publisher has been founded that hopes to take a different approach to developer partnerships.

Gamesco, based in the Isle of Man, will specialise in online and massively multiplayer games for PC and consoles. The firm has secured rights to a mix of “iconic brands and original IP”, including some big Hollywood franchises, with multiple unannounced titles in development.

Various investors have already pumped $5m into its first four games, some of which will be unveiled by the end of the year.

The company was founded by former Jagex and Bigpoint exec Rob Ollett, who claims Gamesco will operate as a “networked publisher”, outsourcing its development to established studios. The team plans to match each of its IP with the most suitable developer available, working with independent studios around the world.

According to Ollett, this allows Gamesco to work on multiple titles at once and reducing the costly infrastructure needed to bring such titles to market.

“The idea behind Gamesco is to make brilliant, connected games that deliver immersive online experiences – whether that’s our own original IP or a really interesting brand, “ said Ollett. 

“I believe the future of games is in creating these story-driven, communal experiences, with games becoming bigger, deeper and turning into fan-driven communities in their own right. By setting ourselves up as a networked publisher we are nimble and efficient enough to find the best developers around the world to bring these worlds to life, keeping overheads low and putting the maximum focus on creating a great product.”