Human: Fall Flat Veterans Launch Pretty Cool Games with Hypergraph Backing

Two veterans of the hit puzzle-platformer Human: Fall Flat have joined forces to create a brand-new UK development studio. Pretty Cool Games, co-founded by Sitara Shefta and Will Dudley, is setting out with a clear mission: to build a sustainable company that treats its people fairly and shares the rewards of success. The studio's debut is backed by Hypergraph, the developer behind the popular mobile title Arknights, which is providing the financial runway for the new venture.

A studio built on fair principles

Shefta, who takes on the role of CEO, and Dudley, serving as Chief Creative Officer, bring years of experience from their time on Human: Fall Flat, one of the most successful indie games of the past decade. Their vision for Pretty Cool Games is rooted in a people-first approach, emphasizing transparency, fair compensation, and a healthy work-life balance. The founders believe that a studio's success should be shared with those who build it, and they plan to implement profit-sharing and other incentives to ensure employees feel valued.

The decision to partner with Hypergraph is strategic, as the Chinese developer has a strong track record in the mobile and free-to-play space, while Pretty Cool Games is expected to focus on premium, creative experiences. While specific project details remain under wraps, the team is already in the early stages of development, and the funding will allow them to grow at a measured pace without the pressure of rushed deadlines.

For the UK games industry, the launch of Pretty Cool Games is a positive sign of continued resilience and creativity. The sector has faced challenges in recent years, from layoffs to studio closures, but the emergence of a new indie-focused team with experienced leadership offers a hopeful counterpoint. As the studio builds its first project, all eyes will be on how it balances its ambitious goals with the realities of game development.