Ex-TT Games Director Launches New Studio Focused on Video Games Set in Peter Pan’s Neverland

Tom Stone Launches Second Star Games: A New Adventure Awaits

Tom Stone, the former managing director of TT Games, renowned for creating iconic LEGO video games including the anticipated LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, has embarked on a new journey by founding Second Star Games. Recently stepping down from his role as chair of FuturLab, the studio behind Powerwash Simulator, Stone is pivoting back to his roots in producing games based on licensed intellectual properties, starting with an adaptation of Neverland and the beloved character, Peter Pan.

Reflecting on the Past at TT Games

In an insightful interview with GamesIndustry. Biz, Stone shares candid reflections on his extensive career at TT Games and the studio’s intense work culture, particularly highlighted by reports of crunch during the development of LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga.

“I think we’re going to take a breath and look up occasionally. When we were making the LEGO games, it was intense. It was blood, sweat and tears. I loved every single moment of it, but upon reflection, we could have made fewer games slightly better and sold probably the same number of units that we sold.”

A New Approach to Game Development

Stone reminisces about his tenure, acknowledging the strenuous nature of life at TT Games, where they maintained a relentless focus on high standards. While the studio saw tremendous success, there were voices within the team that expressed concerns about the challenging working conditions.

“It was a pretty tough 15, 16, 17 years we had at TT. We were on a mission. We were focused. We achieved incredible things. Everything in life is a trade; people worked incredibly hard and the games were phenomenally successful.”

Foundations for Second Star Games

While Stone has not disclosed many specific details about upcoming projects, he emphasizes that Second Star Games will initially focus on bringing Peter Pan and stories of Neverland to life. His aspirations extend beyond Peter Pan, envisioning a diverse portfolio of licensed titles for the studio.

“The first is Neverland and the adventures of Peter Pan. Once we announced the studio, we actually had quite a lot of inbound interest, asking whether we’d be interested in working on this IP or that piece of IP.”

Cultivating a Collaborative Environment

Stone expresses excitement over the potential of Second Star Games and the collaborative approach his team intends to foster. Comprising 18 dedicated team members, many of whom are alumni of TT Games, the studio aims to create an inclusive work environment where everyone supports each other in crafting memorable gaming experiences.

“We’re currently a team of 18 full-time employees. Everyone’s the same. We’re all in this boat together. Everyone knows each other.”

Aiming for Excellence

With high ambitions, Stone and his team are unafraid of setting challenging goals. He believes in pushing boundaries to create unforgettable games. The discussions within the studio about ambitious design features are driving the excitement for their upcoming projects.

“If we aren’t going to break through and make this game truly memorable, then why bother? Everyone is on board. Everyone knows we are going to set ourselves some really, really high bar challenges, and everyone wants to do it.”

Looking Ahead

As Second Star Games prepares to dive into the world of Neverland, it will be compelling to see how Stone’s team balances nostalgia with fresh gameplay experiences. The gaming community eagerly anticipates how these former TT Games developers will redefine their approach to storytelling and gameplay in this beloved setting.

Source&Images