What Sets Two Point Studios Apart in the Competitive World of Management Sims

Following the release of two games and navigating a pandemic, Two Point Studios has launched its latest management sim title, Two Point Museum. However, standing out in a crowded simulation genre poses a significant challenge. According to Ben Huskins, the design director at Two Point, the team has developed strategies to differentiate its games from other management sims. One key aspect is the lighthearted approach the studio takes, avoiding the simulation of reality and instead focusing on creating a fun experience. The characters in the game are designed to be full of personality and charm, providing both a sense of humor and a way to convey what's happening in the simulation. Another challenge the developer faces is appealing to new players who may not be familiar with the series. To address this, the team considers the various types of players who enjoy management sims, ranging from those who want to control every detail to those who enjoy creativity and customization. They strive to strike a balance between familiarity and ease of access for both new and existing players. The team's approach involves focusing on the initial hours of gameplay to introduce core features, then gradually adding more complexity without overwhelming the player. Huskins emphasizes the importance of first impressions, even for fans of the series, and the need to subvert expectations while maintaining familiarity. Two Point Studios aims to create games that are both accessible and deep, allowing casual players to feel at home while also providing advanced players with the complexity they crave. This philosophy is reflected in the design of specific features, such as the exhibition, expedition, and management systems in Museum. The development process involves significant iteration and experimentation, particularly in the early stages. The team ensures they have ample time to prototype and test features before finalizing them. This approach allows for the identification of what works and what doesn't, enabling the team to make necessary adjustments. A key feature in Museum is the expedition system, which enables players to send teams to collect items and artifacts for exhibitions. This feature was inspired by elements from previous games, such as the Speedy Recovery DLC for Two Point Hospital and the archaeology course in Two Point Campus. The expedition system underwent numerous iterations, with the team adding layers of strategy and complexity. The result is a feature that combines exploration, discovery, and creativity, setting Museum apart from other management sims. Two Point Studios has been developing games in the fictional Two Point county for nine years, with each title building upon the lessons learned from the previous one. Huskins notes that Museum benefited significantly from the experiences and learnings gained from Hospital and Campus, particularly in terms of approachability, user interface design, and player customization. The studio's focus on community feedback has also played a crucial role in shaping the direction of each game. Player suggestions have been incorporated into the titles, making each one unique and responsive to the community's needs and desires. In conclusion, Two Point Studios' unique approach to management sims, combined with its emphasis on accessibility, depth, and community feedback, has enabled the studio to stand out in a competitive genre. The release of Two Point Museum represents the culmination of the studio's experiences and learnings, offering a fresh and exciting experience for both new and veteran players.