Catalyst Game Labs is a publisher of science fiction and fantasy books, best known for the popular Shadowrun and BattleTech lines. The company was founded in 2007 by former FASA staff members. Catalyst's philosophy is to "make fun the priority." They want their books to be entertaining first and foremost, and they believe that if the reader is having a good time, they'll be more open to the educational aspects of the stories. This approach has led to some criticism from those who feel that the company's products are "dumbed down," but it has also won Catalyst a loyal following of fans who appreciate their willingness to take risks and try new things. One of Catalyst's most successful recent releases is the tabletop RPG Shadowrun: Crossfire. The game takes the popular cyberpunk setting of Shadowrun and adds a cooperative play element, allowing players to work together to achieve their goals. The game has been praised for its fast-paced action and its use of miniatures, and it has won several awards, including the Origins Award for Best Board Game of 2014. Catalyst is also responsible for the popular webcomic Girl Genius, which is set in the world of BattleTech. The comic follows the adventures of Agatha Heterodyne, a mad scientist who finds herself at the center of a conflict between two warring factions. The comic is known for its humor, action, and steampunk aesthetic, and it has won multiple webcomic awards.