Technology

The Surprising Reason Behind Two Point Studios' Return to the Office

2024-11-20

Author: Amelia

Introduction

In an exciting turn of events, Two Point Studios, the creative minds behind beloved simulation games like *Two Point Hospital* and *Two Point Campus*, have returned to an in-office work environment after navigating the turbulent waters of the pandemic-induced remote work world.

Challenges During Remote Development

Just two years ago, the studio was gearing up for the launch of *Two Point Campus*. That period was marked by challenges: development began just as lockdowns were enforced, and the team faced hurdles typically encountered when working in isolation. Studio founders Mark Webley and Gary Carr noted that without the daily visual and collaborative interactions of an office environment, several game-breaking issues went unrecognized until the project was nearing completion.

The Benefits of Returning to the Office

Fast forward to today, and Two Point Studios is set to release its upcoming game, *Two Point Museum*, next February. Unlike its predecessor—a project developed under restrictive remote conditions—*Museum* has benefited greatly from the team’s decision to work predominantly on-site.

Jo Koehler, the executive producer, shared: 'With *Museum*, we are back in the office four days a week for most people. Having that back and forth, face-to-face interaction has been really fantastic for the development process.'

Design Director Ben Huskins chimed in about the importance of immediate communication. 'Those little ad-hoc chats that happen naturally in an office setting? They made a huge difference. When you’re at home, someone might ping you on Slack, and you might overlook it for hours. But in the office, those quick conversations keep everything flowing smoothly.'

Innovative Approach and Game Design

Their return to office life is not merely an effort to reclaim pre-pandemic culture; it plays a crucial role in the innovative approach that defines Two Point Studios. Each of their titles, including the fan-favorite *Two Point Hospital*, presents a standalone experience while maintaining quirky cross-over elements. With *Museum*, the narrative shifts away from person-centric gameplay seen in previous titles, steering into a more adventurous avenue where players will curate exhibits filled with unexpected surprises—from cavemen encased in ice to dinosaurs that could spring to life!

User-Friendly Design Philosophy

Accessibility and relatability are focal points for Two Point’s design philosophy, ensuring that both seasoned management sim players and newcomers feel welcomed when diving into their games. Huskins elaborated, 'We spend a lot of time thinking about our onboarding process. We want to cater to a diverse player base, from hardcore management sim aficionados to those seeking a more relaxed, casual experience.'

Feedback and Community Engagement

The key to this intentional user-friendly design lies in rigorous testing and feedback collection. Koehler noted, 'Events like Gamescom provide us with invaluable insights into how players interact with our games. Seeing real-time reactions allows us to make immediate improvements.'

Platform Speculations and Future Plans

One curious piece of news is the absence of a Nintendo Switch version for *Two Point Museum*. Following the success of *Two Point Hospital* on the platform, its exclusion raises questions. However, Huskins hinted at future possibilities, suggesting that the studio is exploring various platforms as they continue to push the technological envelope in their creations.

Conclusion

With vibrant communities still engaging with *Hospital* and *Campus*, the team is juggled with plans across multiple projects. They are dedicated to listening to player feedback and tailoring updates accordingly.

Koehler stated, 'When we look at our post-release roadmaps, community input is invaluable. Balancing the focus across our titles requires careful thought. But being back in the office has dramatically improved our efficiency and communication.'

As Two Point Studios steps back into a collaborative workspace, players eagerly anticipate *Two Point Museum*, confident that the blend of humor, creativity, and community-driven development promises to make it another hit in their growing portfolio.

Stay tuned! With great new titles on the horizon and a promising return to office dynamics, Two Point Studios is definitely a name to watch in the gaming industry!