UK Development Studio Atomicom Reborn as Starlight Games with a Focus on Original IP

Veteran game developer Gary Nichols has unveiled Starlight Games, a new studio born out of the ashes of Atomicom, which he founded in 2010. Located in Liverpool, the team has undergone a significant transformation, shifting its focus from being a work-for-hire studio to one that concentrates on developing its own intellectual properties. "We wanted to establish a fresh studio that could create its own IP, and thus Starlight Games was conceived," Nichols explained to GamesIndustry.biz. The decision to rebrand as Starlight Games was driven by new investments that enabled the team to build a new roster of talent centered around original IP. Although Atomicom will still exist on paper to fulfill historical obligations and tax purposes, the entire team has transitioned to the Starlight Games banner and continues to operate from the same Liverpool office. In addition to Nichols, the founding team at Starlight includes recent recruits such as production designer Ben Cronin, design director Nick Burcombe, and game director Andy Santos. "We already had a solid core team in place and sought to augment it with individuals who share our vision, leveraging our extensive network and experience to drive growth," Nichols elaborated. "Our goal is to create a stimulating work environment that attracts and nurtures new talent, allowing us to push the boundaries of game development and build a thriving studio." Nichols further emphasized the studio's ambition to craft engaging, diverse games while embracing fresh talent across various roles. This approach includes providing opportunities for the next generation of passionate game developers to break into the industry. Starlight Games is currently developing several titles, including a sequel to House of Golf and a pair of new IPs, one of which is a futuristic sports game led by Burcombe, and another that is a science fiction strategy simulation game. A key aspect of the studio's strategy involves collaborating with local universities to provide students with hands-on experience and a platform to excel. Nichols noted that this partnership has yielded positive results, with many students going on to graduate and secure positions within the games industry, including some who have joined the Starlight team. The studio's primary objective is to strike a balance between fostering young talent and leveraging the expertise of established developers and creators. "In today's crowded market, it's challenging for new voices to be heard," Nichols observed. "Our approach is to proactively seek out talented individuals, attending university open days and engaging with lecturers to identify passionate and motivated students who can benefit from our guidance and support." Despite the current challenges facing the UK games industry, including layoffs and studio closures, Nichols remains optimistic about the sector's potential for growth and success, citing the efforts of organizations such as the Games Fund and the emergence of breakout hits from UK studios.