Contact | Search |

Tag: Kostya-Lobov

Meet the Indies Games Collective members

Posted on by Anna Weeden

After launching the Harbottle & Lewis Indie Games Collective (IGC) in January, we are pleased to announce our programme members for 2026.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

Over the next six months, they will have access to a series of training sessions covering key legal and business topics, including an introduction to IP essentials, contracts, the use of AI, corporate housekeeping and much more.

THE IGC MEMBERS

Beyond the Pixels

Based in London, Beyond the Pixels develops original and licensed game IP designed to expand into film, TV and user-generated content. Their debut indie game Astro Burn is being developed in parallel as a TV show concept.

Epoch Media Studios

Based in Warsaw, Poland, Epoch Media Studios is currently developing asymmetric horror game Soul Walker as transmedia IP,with plans to expand into film, animation and fashion collaborations.

Foolhardy Games

Based in London, Foolhardy Games develops indie games for Steam. They are currently working on their upcoming game Crashbound, a 2D side-scrolling strategy game where players aim to survive, expand and rebuild their airship to escape a hostile world.

Galatico Studios

Galatico Studios is an independent UK games studio based in Portsmouth that creates gameplay-driven experiences for PC, mobile and AR, with a focus on community. The studio also supports emerging developers through practical production experience, mentorship and collaboration.

Gamirare

Gamirare is an indie games studio based in Kyiv, Ukraine, currently working on projects Trickster Trove and SaaS Keeper. With game designers, developers, artists and storytellers, their focus is on building deep, re-playable worlds. Their portfolio includes dark fantasy PvPvE titles, storytelling tools and a creator platform.

Haaris Entertainment Ltd

Haaris Entertainment Ltd develops online entertainment focused on unique gameplay, distinctive characters, imaginative worlds and in-depth narratives. The London-based company aims to create experiences designed to inspire creativity and connections across multiple media platforms.

Lost Wanderer Games

Also based in London, Lost Wanderer Games aims to craft immersive gameplay experiences through meaningful storytelling. They are committed to innovation and creativity in order to reflect the diversity of the real world.

Ludo Gamelabs

Ludo Gamelabs is a games development studio from Manchester focused on creating innovative and engaging gameplay experiences. The studio utilises AI technology to support game creation and offers tools to assist developers in brainstorming ideas, generating assets and streamlining workflows. Their platform aims to empower creators and enhance the game development process. Recent projects include Wordhunters and Project Rome.

Pretty Cool Games

Based in Leeds, Pretty Cool Games are currently developing their debut title for PC and console, featuring physics-based gameplay. Their aim is to centre their business around creating unique, memorable and engaging IP.

Second Star Games

Second Star Games is a games development studio based in London that creates interactive experiences for young gamers and their families. The studio focuses on storytelling, unique mechanics and delivering exceptional story-led co-op experiences based on well-known and loved IPs (LEGO Star Wars), aiming to bring new worlds to life and create shared moments for families.

Silver Script Games

Silver Script Games is a Hampshire-based games startup currently focusing on their debut game The Quiet Things, an autobiographical game that deals with topics around childhood abuse and the impact that has on a person growing up.

South Westerly Games

South Westerly Games is a micro indie studio based in Hastings on the Southeast Coast, focused on developing and publishing games. The studio’s debut title, NINE ROUNDS RAPID, is a hand-painted, stylised roguelite top-down shooter for PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch.

Splash Games

Based in London, Splash Games is a tech-first games company building a platform for skill-based competitive play. They develop and operate original mobile games that allow players to compete in short, structured competitions where outcomes are driven by skill rather than chance. The company focuses on scalable technology, strong unit economics and operating responsibly within regulated environments.

The Goblin Workshop

The Goblin Workshop is a PC-first studio based in Surrey with four core values: a focus on action RPGs, influence from both the UK and Japan, visionary leadership and creating games that are dark but with a heart. 

Umbra Dynamics

Based in Scotland, Umbra Dynamics specialises in remastering classic games for modern audiences, preserving well-loved game heritage. The studio revitalises proven IP to make previously out-of-print titles accessible, with the aim of appealing to both nostalgic gamers and introducing timeless classics to new generations. 

Unannounced studio

This Derby-based games studio focuses on creating compact and innovative games developed with an emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices. With extensive experience in design, programming and independent publishing, the team is currently working on its first commercial project and looks forward to sharing it with players soon.

Unskippable Dialogue

Unskippable Dialogue is in the very early stages of development. The studio will focus on narrative experiences to tell stories about overlooked people throughout history. Their latest project focuses on lightkeepers of the 1860s and the surprisingly perilous work they undertook to keep the shipping lanes safe.

Verso Gaming

Verso Gaming is a UK-based skill-tech company creating regulated, skill-based competitive infrastructure for multiplayer games. Its platform integrates with PvP titles to enable fair and compliant competitive play, allowing players to compete for real rewards while protecting developers from risks. Verso aims to provide a trusted, ethical and scalable alternative to unregulated competition, prioritising skill over spending and safeguarding player autonomy.

Whetstone Games

Whetstone Games is a London-based studio focused on developing short, genre-blending games for PC and console, with an emphasis on sustainability, quick production turnarounds and small budgets. The studio’s first project, currently in early prototype stages, is a business simulation game centred on music production.

Loot box crackdown in the UK: what you need to know

Posted on by Anna Weeden

What’s happened?

On 26 February, the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), the UK’s advertising regulator, issued an Enforcement Notice concerning the disclosure of loot boxes in mobile game advertising and app store listings. For these purposes, “loot boxes” are random-item generators that can be acquired with real money, or with virtual currency obtainable only through real-money purchases. The notice was prompted by the ASA’s concern that mobile game publishers are failing to adequately disclose the presence of loot boxes in their games.

The ASA will begin actively monitoring compliance from 26 May, with targeted enforcement action to follow.

What is an Enforcement Notice?

An Enforcement Notice is essentially a warning to the relevant sector that the regulator intends to focus on this issue more intensively starting from the relevant date, giving the relevant businesses an opportunity to ‘get their house in order’.

We can expect a string of adjudications from the ASA (which enforces the CAP and BCAP Codes) on this subject in the months to come.

What are the rules?

Under CAP Guidance, the presence of loot boxes in a game is considered material information. This means the presence of loot boxes must be presented to consumers before they purchase or download a game (particularly for those with gambling-related vulnerabilities).

This can be achieved with a disclosure statement such as “Includes random-item purchases” or “Contains loot boxes” in a prominent location within advertising and app store listings.  

Players should not need to expand hidden sections or scroll through game descriptions to find it. Note that built-in app store labels such as “Offers In-App Purchases” are not generally sufficient on their own. Loot box disclosures must be presented prominently alongside, or as part of, any in-game purchasing information.

What should I do now?

If your game incorporates loot boxes, review your advertising and app store listings to ensure the appropriate disclaimers are included.

Bear in mind that the global loot box regulatory environment is fragmented. This is largely due to a lack of harmonisation of gambling regulation and consumer protection laws across many jurisdictions that have developed in different directions over time.  Territories with a particular interest in regulating and taking enforcement action in relation to loot boxes include Brazil, Netherlands, Poland, Belgium and recently there has been action in the US.  It is a good time to reflect on your global loot box approach, and update any internal policies.

If you would like to discuss this further, please contact Sophie Lewis and Kostyantyn Lobov.

Harbottle & Lewis advises Super Media Group on its acquisition of Bulkhead and investment from Everplay and HIRO Capital

Posted on by Dea Dragashi

We have advised Super Media Group on its acquisition of Derby-based video games developer, Bulkhead, and on its investment from Everplay Group plc and HIRO Capital.

Founded in 2014 and best known for Battalion 1944, Bulkhead was acquired from global technology business Tencent by a consortium comprising Super Media Group, Everplay and HIRO Capital. Super Media Group also signed a strategic partnership with Everplay, which will see collaboration on future titles, including new IP WARDOGS and further development of the popular Hell Let Loose franchise.

The team was led by partner Ed Lane, with support from managing associate Katerina Capras, associate Jake Jacobson and trainee solicitor Jacob Eardley, who advised on all corporate matters relating to the deal. The commercial and publishing aspects of the deal were led by partner and co-head of interactive entertainment Kostyantyn Lobov with support from associate Sophie Lewis. Partner David Scott advised on tax.

On working with Harbottle & Lewis, Bulkhead CEO Joe Brammer commented:

“Harbottle & Lewis were exceptional throughout the process. This was a complex, multi-party transaction and the team worked tirelessly, often outside normal hours, to get the deal done. Ed and the wider team handled our business as if it were their own, combining deep attention to detail with a clear understanding of the commercial realities, which made a genuine difference in delivering the outcome we wanted.”

Ed Lane added:

“It was a real pleasure advising Super Media Group on this huge milestone; a complex and layered transaction that really demonstrated the strength and depth of our market-leading corporate and games practices. I look forward to seeing what they do next!”

We have been fully immersed in the interactive entertainment sector since its inception and are recognised as leaders in the sector. We specialise in corporate financing and transactions within the games industry, advising on investment, fundraising, tax credits, M&A, and rights exploitation. Learn more about our interactive entertainment practice here.