Dlala Studios

Dlala Studios is an independent video game developer and self-publisher founded in June 2012 by Aj Grand-Scrutton and Craig Thomas. The UK studio develops original games as well as co-development and work-for-hire projects for established entertainment properties, combining game design, engineering and character-led visual development.

Its work is particularly associated with traditional hand-drawn 2D animation, action-adventure and platformer design, humorous narrative character work, and multi-platform development. The team uses Unity alongside proprietary gameplay toolsets and has experience shipping for PC and consoles including Nintendo Switch, Xbox and PlayStation.

From independent beginnings to established franchises

Founded in a garage after its co-founders had worked together at Jagex and Bossa Studios, Dlala released the Windows 8 launch title Janksy within its first year. The studio subsequently became the first team incubated in-house through Microsoft Studios' Lift London programme.

Dlala later developed the 2D arena brawler Overruled! and provided engineering or co-development support on projects including Sea of Thieves, The Escapists and Lost Words: Beyond the Page. Its partnership with Rare and Xbox Game Studios resulted in the 2020 reimagining of Battletoads, which reached more than one million players.

The studio also developed Disney Illusion Island, the hand-drawn 2D platformer starring Mickey Mouse and friends, released for Nintendo Switch in 2023. The game received two BAFTA Children & Young People Award nominations.

Original publishing

In 2026, Dlala announced Murals, a narrative-driven isometric action-adventure planned for PC in 2027. The project is the studio's first new original intellectual property in more than a decade and its first title to be developed and self-published by Dlala. Its slate reflects a mix of original IP creation, licensed-game development and collaborative production support.