Gavin Raeburn Launches New AAA Studio Lighthouse Games

A new AAA game development studio, Lighthouse Games, has been established in the UK hub of Leamington Spa, led by veteran developer Gavin Raeburn, who previously co-founded Playground Games, the creator of the Forza Horizon series. Raeburn, who oversaw the creation and rise of the Horizon games, is now heading a team of 30 experienced developers at Lighthouse Games, working on a new, unannounced IP. In an exclusive interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Raeburn discussed his new venture and the opportunity to start anew. "I'm most happy when I have a clear vision of what I want to achieve," Raeburn says. "I want to make the most of my career, and I've always been driven to create the best games possible. Having a blank slate is exciting, and that's what Lighthouse is all about – growing with my team and achieving something special." Although details about Lighthouse Games' projects are scarce, Raeburn emphasized that the studio aims to produce high-quality, technologically ambitious games that will form the foundation of a long-running franchise. "The games industry is constantly evolving, and it's challenging to stay ahead of the competition," Raeburn notes. "However, with my experience and the team's expertise, we're well-equipped to deliver exceptional results. Our goal is to create a sustainable studio model that offers a secure workplace where developers can thrive and grow over time." Raeburn also discussed the importance of independence, stating that Lighthouse Games will focus on building a team with shared values and ambitions, driving quality under their own terms, and delighting both players and partners. "Lighthouse Games has the freedom to create something unique, without being tied to existing projects or technology infrastructure," Raeburn explains. "We're investing in building our own tools and pipelines to create a distinct identity for the studio." The studio is currently hiring and plans to support local universities, hire graduates, and create mentoring opportunities for the team. Raeburn is keen to continue the tradition of nurturing new talent, as seen during his time at Playground Games. "Lighthouse Games will welcome the best graduate talent from across the UK and beyond, and our discipline leads are passionate about mentoring and sharing their knowledge," Raeburn says. "I'm excited to see how we can help support and develop the next generation of developers." Raeburn concludes, "Every new venture starts from scratch, and it's magical to see a studio come together. I'm proud of what we've achieved so far, and I know that this has been a thrilling experience for my team. Seeing our studio grow, bonds form, and tech and processes fall into place has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career."