We are positively speeding towards the launch of Two Point Hospital (before you ask, there's still no launch date to announce bar 'Autumn 2018' ;) ) and whilst we still have a few things up our sleeves to share with you, we thought now would be a good time to kick off How We Operate - a blog to help you get to know the team a little better.
By now you all know Gary Carr and Mark Webley, you know about their shared history and the games they've made, and you've also heard them talk about how Two Point Hospital's humour is a collaborative project taken on by the whole team - our open plan studio often being the comedy stage for team members to try out their new 'material' … or 'names for things in the game', if you'd prefer.
So let's start putting names, dad jokes and dubious puns to faces so you all get to know us a little better….
How We Operate #1: Ben Huskins
How long have you been in the games industry? 15 years. Coincidentally also the same time since I got my first grey hair.
First game you worked on? Professionally: Fable (the first one). Unprofessionally, very unprofessionally, a game I made as a teenager: MatterBlaster. Someone posted a video of it on YouTube. Check it out. It's a truly baffling audiovisual attack on the senses.
Fave game to play at home? Hide 'n' seek with the cat.
Fave little person game? Dungeon Keeper, if they count as little people.
When you’re not slogging away at Two Point Studio, where can you be found? Roaming the streets of Guildford looking bewildered.
What’s your party trick? Apparently I tell the best boring stories. Sadly I don't get invited to many parties.
Now, the quick fire round! Answer these as quick as you can!
If you could buy ANY kind of food RIGHT NOW what would it be? Toilet roll. I just really need some, okay?
Favourite movie quote? "Come and play with us... forever, and ever, and ever."
What’s your fave 90s tv show? Twin Peaks. I like that there are two peaks, and that they're pointy.
In your opinion, where’s the worst place you could get stuck? In the cat flap.
If you worked in a hospital, what would you do? Probably kill lots of people. I have no medical training. What kind of madman hired me?
Day or Night? Champion of the sun!
Last film you watched? Pandemic. I was disappointed, not a single person had a pan stuck on their head.
Cats or Dogs? Do you really need to ask? Yes, that is cat hair in my drink.
Coffee or Tea? I want to say tea, but my body says coffee. Sweet, life-giving coffee.
Who’s your fave member of Two Point and why? Tim Swann, because he implements our crazy design ideas before we've even finished uttering them. I think he might be a real life wizard.
What’s the most delightful word you can think of? Defenestration
You’re going out to buy cheese, what cheese do you get? Red Leicester. Without it my life would be a tragic vortex of despair.
What’s the last thing you liked on social media? What's a 'social media'?
You have to do a dance, what song will it be to? Canned Heat by Jamiroquai. Girls like guys with great skills, apparently.
You’re running for PM, what will be your campaign slogan? Eat fish fingers.
We’re taking James Watt off the fifty pound notes, who will you replace him with? Why? Ada Lovelace. Without her, us games developers would probably all be banging rocks together and eating pocket lint.
Two Point Hospital Preview: GamesRadar
"After spending an hour creating my own little healthcare heaven, I had to be almost forcibly removed from the computer, so it feels like the evolution has been a success."
You're darn right it's Tunesday! We have updated our playlist with just a few music bombs for your earholes:
You can find our playlist here: https://spoti.fi/2Kqj0mT
These are the tracks we've added and our reasoning as to why:
Rich, Coder: I'm feeling very chilled today and who better than Elbow and Blonde Redhead to help relax... Switching Off - Cast of Thousands - Elbo and The Dress - 23 - Blonde Redhead
Ben Hymers, Coder/Founder: This is totally not an advert, but I've been listening to the new album by my friend's band, Hercules Morse. The album is called Vita Boundary, and it's very good stuff! Everything is Great is my favourite track :)
Mark Smart, Artist: Arctic Monkeys – Tranquillity Base Hotel & Casino
Controversial latest album form the AM. Initial plays it’s kind of a mad departure from a more familiar sound, subsequent plays it’s a real grower. Time will tell if it’s seen as a curve ball masterpiece, or a load of old self indulgent twaddle. I like it…..here’s the title track.
Gaz Coombes – Walk The Walk
Former Supergrass lead singer delivers another great solo album. Laid back, complex and multi layered it all feels very modern and a long way from the old Britpop days. Mr Coombes is a talent and deserved to recognised for that and not just his enormous side burns. One of the sweetest tracks on the album World’s Strongest Man.
Prem, Artist: What You Know by Two Door Cinema Club
Good summer time song ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Gary Carr, Founder: The Jesus and Mary Chain, Head On. It was later covered by The Pixies. It's easy to listen to but proper indie punk, foppish hair, head down grungy thing. It's good!
Lauran, Community Manager: We were blessed with a new Frank Turner album last week so of course I've been listening to that! Every year, when the sun starts to shine bright enough to bask in, I crack out the ska punk... and these last couple of weeks Reel Big Fish have been my ska punk band of choice! Frank Turner - Don't Worry. Reel Big Fish - Somebody Hates Me.
First Press Hands On Previews
Hi Scrubs!
In case you weren't aware, over the last few weeks we have been sharing our little bundle of video game joy with a few members of the press. Today the embargoes lifted on the hands on previews and we have seen an influx of joyous articles hit the internet!
I'll be sharing a few of my favourites for you here :D
"... it also sparked my imagination in ways video games just don’t seem to be able to do for me anymore."
Showing off a ravishing aspect of a bustling hospital, this wallpaper will make your life better in every conceivable way.*
*Probably.
Very short blog for those of you who may have missed this info...
Heya Scrubs!
I just wanted to jump in and leave you all a little note as I've noticed many of you are asking about a release date.
Currently we don't have a specific date nailed down, but what I can tell you is that you should expect the game to be out in Autumn of this year! The team are working exceptionally hard to get the game ready and, trust me, it's looking more and more beautiful by the day!
We have loads of stuff to tell you about in the coming weeks so, if you frequent such platforms, do make sure you're following us on:
We do read all your comments, we do pass the most interesting/hilarious/reminiscent comments on to the devs and we really do love hearing from you so keep it up!
Peace!
Lauran
Two Point Radio: Update #3
Heya Scrubs!
Lauran here with another update on what's definitely becoming THE GREATEST PLAYLIST IN THE HISTORY OF PLAYLISTS… right?! Guys…? Right….?
Anyways, you can find our playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/user/lauran_carter/playlist/1pglj8O3UfZayO95vXunvl?si=VWAE0-rYTFCXaWnk3kddtw
And here are a few words from the team giving a little more insight on their song choices…
Craig, Brand Manager - Ben folds: Army.
One of my favourite piano rock tracks! Originally played with his band, Ben Folds Five, but like many of the Ben Folds songs (Rocking the Suburbs aside), actually better on its own as a piano and vocal piece. Check out the live version where Ben replaces the horn orchestra part with commands to the crowd, who respond beautifully. Also, the Ben Folds Live album cover (everyone flicking him the bird) is awesome.
Rich, Coder - Mansun: Six.
After the recent launch of Paul Draper's solo career I've been relistening to some of my favourites from Mansun. The album Six is kind of a crazy rock opera, and you have to be in the right mood for it. Legacy is one of my favourite tracks.
Ben Hymers, Coder/Founder - New Young Pony Club:We Want To.
Awesome beat and fun melody and instrumentation. Same reason I pick most tracks really!
Chris Knott, Animator - The Midnight: Kick drums and red wine and Sunset.
“There is a Japanese term: Mono no aware. It means basically, the sad beauty of seeing time pass - the aching awareness of impermanence.
These are the days that we will return to one day in the future only in memories.” And because they are f*cking awesome.
Mark Smart, Artist -
The Damned: Look Left.
A first album of new material in ten years. Evil Spirits boast many a 60’s Psychedelic influenced tune I had to pick one so here it is.
Skinny Lister: Tragedy in A Minor
Catchy folky pop from Deptford based good time Charlies.
David Byrne: Gasoline and Dirty Sheets
Ex Talking Heads leader back on form with an excellent new Album.
The New Basement Tapes: Golden Tom, Silver Judas
One of my favourites from the ‘supergroups’ Bob Dylan collaboration. Features Elvis Costello on vocals so that makes it ‘super’ for me.
Prem, Artist: Alannah Myles: Black Velvet +
Two Steps From Hell: To Glory
Because they're good ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Jayne, Office Manager/Legend -
The Weeknd: Call out my name
Kate (my daughter) got me into The Weeknd. We're always listening to her playlists in the evenings (sometimes my playlists but usually hers!!!) in the car on the way home, which is always such a nice time together when we catch up with what we've each been up to for the day. 😊
Stone Roses: Waterfall and This Is The One
R.E.M: Nightswimming
As for the Stone Roses - I've always liked their music- was a shame they broke up so early.
Jo, Producer - Bloc Party: Banquet
The Killers: Somebody Told Me
Everything Everything: Kemosa
This week I've been listening to a lot of some of my old favourites, they always make me smile :)
Mark Webley, Founder - Arcade Fire: Everything Now
It's a brilliant track from an incredible album which everyone should play frequently!
Lauran, Community Manager - N.W.A: Express Yourself
I've been catching up on a whole load of Ice Cube and Dre for an upcoming Calligraphy Rap Lyrics project I want to start, and of course that lead to me revisiting some N.W.A!
Rainbow: Since You Been Gone
I sang it at Karaoke recently and haven't gotten it out of my head since. TUNE!
Building a game with personality: Our EGX Rezzed Developer Session
Hi Scrubs!
In case you missed it, here is a link to our EGX Rezzed Developer Session! I sat down with Animator Chris Knott and Designer Ben Huskins to discuss how they go about building a game with personality! It's a much watch and includes some new game play and an exclusive announcement!
https://www.twitch.tv/videos/249927597
Enjoy! :)
Lauran
Two Point Radio: Update #2
Heya Scrubs! (in case you didn't know, that what the fans voted to be called over on twitter, so we're going with it! :P)
I have just collected and collated the second update to our most excellent Two Point Radio Spotify playlist! It's a bit of a bumper update, but the team sent me so much excellent music I didn't want to leave anything off!
Let us waste no time in getting to the tunes:
Ben Hymers, Founder: I've been listening to Datarock loads because I love a strong beat and songs about computers. Computer Camp Love is awesome :) also I got back into the Vandals this week! Fond memories of listening to these guys on my minidisc player, while doing my paper round. 'Cafe 405' from 'Hitler Bad, Vandals Good' was my favourite - pure joy!
Chris Knott, Animator: Oh mama - Run the Jewels, because the video features Rick and Morty and it's great! And Pro bot - Shake Your Blood because Dave Grohl on drums is AWESOME.
Rich Brooks, Programmer: OK Go - Turn up the Radio & The One Moment. OK Go never fail to put me in a good mood! And they do great videos check them out on YouTube if you haven't seen them!
I'm enjoying the new IAMX album. It's personally find this kind euphoric electro pop that I find helps my brain get going on the mornings when you're considering reaching for a fourth coffee. This is one of my favourites of their new album. IAMX - Alive In New Light - Alive In New Light
Many of us in the studio were born in the 80s and enjoy bands from the 90s/00s. It reminds me of university life. I often hop back to bands like this if I'm bored of my regular playlists. Starsailor were awesome!
Starsailor - On The Outside - In The Crossfire
Mark Webley, Founder: Sweetest Thing - Camera Obscura. Hard to pin it down to 1 track this week as I've been listening to a bunch of things. This track (and band) is just excellent - should also check out their video for this song on youtube. I love them!
Mark Smart, Artist: Nosebleed – Time and Time Again
Great Garage Punk Trio, what The Ramones would of sounded like if they came from Leeds. (eds note - Time and Time again wasn't on Spotify, so I chose the most popular track as per Spotify ;) )
The Rumjacks – A Fistful O Roses. Joyous Celtic Punk noise from Australia. Sound like Pogues? A lot of the stuff I like does.
The Bermondsey Joyriders– Gentleman Please. Vintage Punk rockers get together to make Faces inspired cockney knees up tune. Make tea, not war, as they would say.
Tim Swann, Programmer: A few tracks I’ve been listening this week These are all mostly instrumental/minimal lyric tracks so I don’t get distracted from my coding!
Hans Zimmer - Time, Tale Of Us Edit. (eds note, couldn't find the remix so went with the OG version!)
Kerala Dust - Nevada
Sasha - Battleships
Yotto – Marisa
Yotto - North
Röyksopp - Never Ever feat Susanne Sundfør (Yotto Remix)
Craig Laycock, Brand Manager: Under The Bridge, Red Hot Chili Peppers, because Lauran tried to tell me the All Saints version was better and I fully disagree.
Lauran Carter, Community Manager: Guns N Roses, Dead Horse because Rich and I were talking about them and it lead to a full Guns N Roses binge on my drive home. LUSH.
And, as it was Wrestlemania last week and I stayed up till 5am like a Wrestling loving loon, The Game (Triple H) - Motorhead BECAUSE WHO DOESN'T LIKE TRIPLE H AND/OR MOTORHEAD?!
You can find, and follow, the playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/user/lauran_carter/playlist/1pglj8O3UfZayO95vXunvl?si=ktQXBd2fSK-vDKw4UTeb-Q
Two Point Studios: Our Spotify Playlist!
For years at Two Point Hospital it's been our mission to help and to heal… and to share some banging tunes! OK maybe the tunes weren't always on our list of things to tell you about but we've realised that we're all music lovers in this office and there's no better way to make games than with some sweet music in your ears. After all, music soothes even the savage beast ;) (bonus points if you know where that's from!)
You can subscribe to this list RIGHT HERE! https://open.spotify.com/user/lauran_carter/playlist/1pglj8O3UfZayO95vXunvl?si=JHzEw5qvRc-f22wXZrOd4A
So, without further ado I would like to kick off… TWO POINT RADIO! Every couple of weeks I will be adding to the playlist, and using the blog to give you a little bit of insight behind each song choice!
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Prem, Artist: [B]Walk Like An Egyptian by The Bangles[/B]. Because it's good ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Rich, Coder: [B]Muse - Thought Contagion[/B]. Good for power programming! And it's new.
Mark, Founder: [B]Staircase at the University by Morrissey [/B] (listening to the whole album a lot this week as it's all so good) an excellent track but then nearly all morrissey is excellent. I am just loving " Staircase at the University" this week - it's been keeping me smiling and focussed! (eds note: this song is SO cool it's not on Spotify so Mark's chosen another excellent Morrissey song!)
Knotty, Animator: [B]The Touch - Mitch Murder[/B]. Album - The Touch. Awesome 80's synth gloriousness.
Jayne, Office Manager: [B]Just Like Heaven by Katie Melua[/B] (might be a bit of a slow one for TP radio spotify - I also like The Cure version too).
Lauran, Community Manager:[B] So Emotional, Whitney Houston.[/B] I didn't realise I was a Whitney fan… until Sasha Velour lip synched to it in the final of RuPaul's Drag Race season 9, since then it hasn't been out of my ears!
Craig, Brand Manager: Got to be [B]The Chain by Fleetwood Mac[/B]. Why? Because Formula 1 is back on!
Oh, by the way, we're at Rezzed soon! Today we did a little video to show you what you can expect...
