This week, Lost Toys explain who they are and what they're about...

Based in Guildford, Lost Toys was formed in March 1999 by three former Bullfrog employees with a mission to put the fun back into the games industry.

Lost Toys is the brainchild of programmers Glenn Corpes, Jeremy Longley and artist Darran Thomas. Corpes alone boasts more than a decade's experience at Bullfrog, where he inspired and co-designed the seminal Populous. Longley and Thomas have made key contributions to several smash hit games, including Dungeon Keeper, Theme Hospital, Populous 3 and Syndicate Wars.

The trio's extensive experience has taught them that fun, innovative games can be more successful than the 'me too' titles of their rivals - and a whole lot more enjoyable to make. At Lost Toys they're already devising game concepts with no obvious competitors on other developers' rosters.

"We're going to bring playability and originality back into focus with our game designs," promises Glenn Corpes. "Much of the industry nowadays is about doing exactly the same thing as your competitors but trying to be five per cent better. There's still room for true, groundbreaking creativity, and we're going to prove it!"

"Why do most programmers seem to want to do nothing more than prove they can keep up with the best, only two years later?" adds Longley. "Mind you, we're not scared of technology. Our early work on our last research project at Bullfrog and Darran's recent graphic creations are as leading edge as anything we have ever done."

Toy Talents

Glenn Corpes, 35, who cycles to work most days on a recumbent bicycle, contributed to every title Bullfrog have ever developed during his 11 years at the company. Career highlights include creating the landscape for Populous, Power Monger, Flood, Syndicate and work in the graphic engines of every Bullfrog title.