Hewson Consultants
Cult publisher for Britain’s sharpest coders
Hewson spotted garage talent, paid fair royalties, and helped launch classics like Paradroid, Uridium, and Cybernoid.
Overview
Founded by Andrew Hewson in 1980, Hewson Consultants nurtured solo developers and small teams at a time when many publishers churned out quick conversions. The company embraced original concepts and documented their makers in magazines, creating a feedback loop between readers and rising stars.
Fast facts
- Signature releases: Paradroid, Uridium, Cybernoid, Stormlord.
- Talent roster: Andrew Braybrook, Steve Turner, Raffaele Cecco, and more.
- Distribution: Combination of retail, mail order, and aggressive international licensing deals.
Legacy
After the 8-bit boom cooled, Hewson’s staff launched 16-bit successors like 21st Century Entertainment. Their belief in auteur developers remains a template for modern indie publishers.