The news that Tomorrow Corporation is bringing World of Goo, Little Inferno and Human Resource Machine to the Nintendo Switch was very welcome indeed, giving those who perhaps missed the company's titles on other formats the chance to experience them on Nintendo's forthcoming hybrid system. Keen to find out more about this noble and enterprising venture, we sat down with Kyle Gray and Kyle Gabler - as well as with social media guru Dandy Wheeler - for a brief chat and some chocolate biscuits.
As per the traditional interview opening, can you introduce yourselves to our readers?
Kyle: Tomorrow Corporation is a vast indie corporation literally bursting with exactly 3 employees. 66.67% of our staff is named Kyle. 75% by volume. Meanwhile 100% of our actually useful work comes from our employees named Allan.
Other Kyle: But we're also a bunch of scrappy Nintendo nerds, so we're bringing all of the games we've ever built to the Switch.
Following Human Resource Machine's arrival on Wii U in late 2015, you seemed busy last year bringing that game to smart devices, wrapping up with Android towards the end of the year. Can you talk a bit about that process, and how well or otherwise the game did for you on Wii U compared to platforms like iOS, Android and (of course) PC?
Artist Kyle: We spent most of last year developing new tools and tech for our two upcoming games. One of them is the biggest and most game-like-game we've ever made. We're pretty terrible at multitasking, but I think we're figuring it out!
Finance Kyle: We expected only a small group of nerds would ever be interested in Human Resource Machine - it's a game for people who feel like they might be part robot - but it's sold over half a million copies on various platforms so far. Can I say that?
Dandy Wheeler: No. This is why we don't let developers talk to the press.
Now we're into a shiny new year and you've confirmed that your back catalogue is coming to Switch. First of all, can you talk a little about the history behind World of Goo as a 2D Boy game on WiiWare, and how that's now coming to Switch under the Tomorrow Corporation banner?
Other Kyle: The history of 2D Boy and Tomorrow Corporation is confusing, so we made a helpful diagram.
Back in the early golden days of indie games, Kyle Gabler and Ron Carmel formed 2D Boy and made World of Goo, which Allan helped bring to the original Wii in 2008. Shortly after releasing Henry Hatsworth at EA, Kyle Gray left that company to join Kyle Gabler and Allan to form Tomorrow Corporation in 2010.
To further maximize confusion, we decided to bring World of Goo to the new Nintendo Switch as Tomorrow Corporation. If we were a real company, this would probably have been under a huge PR announcement, but since we're fairly inept indie developers, we just decided to put it out there. You guys were the first ones to notice.
This means, of course, that this is your third generation of games on Nintendo download stores. How drastic, or otherwise, do you feel the evolution has been from the WiiWare days to the eShop of today? Are you pleased with how the Switch eShop is shaping up, is there anything in particular that bodes well for its future?
Dandy Wheeler, PR and Demolitions Expert: Considering the Nintendo e-shop is prominently featuring three award winning games by Tomorrow Corporation, I'd say the eShop is shaping up great!
Kyle: Thanks Dandy. We haven't actually seen the Switch's eShop yet, and we're just as curious as everyone else to see what it will look like.
Little Inferno was notably a launch title on the Wii U eShop; how has the experience of being an early publisher on Switch compared to that release on Wii U?
Caffeinated Kyle: We're still a sweaty, nervous wreck like we were during the Wii U launch.
Dandy Wheeler: I've taken control of our Twitter.
Decaff Kyle: After we got all three games optimized on the Switch, we noticed they'd aged really nicely and feel somehow even more relevant in today's scary world.
Dandy: Aged like a bag of fine wine.
Kyle: I think Nintendo must have designed the Switch just for us, because our games feel like a perfect fit with all the ways you can control the device. And it doesn't hurt that everything looks beautiful on the screen.
As a team you seem to be particularly loyal to Nintendo platforms; what draws you to these systems?
Kyle: We grew up with Nintendo stuff. Rolling out of bed in Link's Awakening, defeating Wart in Super Mario Brothers 2, eating cereal ("Nin-ten-do it's a Cereal, Wow!").
Other Kyle: None of us were cool enough to own a Sega.
Talking specifically about these Switch re-releases, can you outline the special features that fans can look forward to?
Two Handed Kyle: We've been having a lot of fun getting all three games working with the Switch's various control modes:
- In Handheld Mode, you can use your fingers to control all three games.
- In TV Mode, you can use either Joy-Con (or in some cases both Joy-Cons) to poke and grab at the games. They're really great controllers, and feel buttery smooth, we assume because Nintendo filled them with invincibility stars and mushrooms. They feel even more precise and less lethal than the original WiiMotes.
- In Tabletop Mode, you can use any of the above.
Kyle: This means we can provide local multiplayer in World of Goo. We're also working on possibly getting local multiplayer in the other two games as well.
Will there be any promotions for those that decide to pick up two or even all three games, such as a bulk discount?
Kyle: Each of our games will be cheaper than ... an arugula salad in San Francisco. And you'll be able to get all three of our titles for less than the price of some of the other titles.
Other Kyle: There might be some technical hurdles to form a bundle, but people keep asking, so we're looking into if it's possible.
Dandy Wheeler, Nutrition Enthusiast: Arugula is a critical part of our ecosystem and my lunch.
Are these games still planned for launch? We've noticed that your original 3rd March announcement has been 'switched' to 'Coming Soon'.
Other Kyle: We're still planning to release on launch, but as a team of three developers, it's a race against time, and we can already hear the music speeding up.
How optimistic are you that the Switch audience will connect well with these three games?
Kyle: Move over Zelda, Tomorrow Corporation's here!
Other Kyle: We have no idea! But whatever happens, we put games exclusively on Nintendo consoles because we just like Nintendo.
What's next for Tomorrow Corporation, do you have any other projects in development right now?
Other Kyle: We're working on two new games, hopefully more info to report soon.
Dandy Wheeler, Social Media Executive: Stay tuned to the front page of newspapers worldwide.
Do you have any final messages for our readers?
Kyle: Have a great time with the Switch!
Dandy Wheeler: The crowds are forming, see you real soon, tweet me!
World of Goo, Little Inferno and Human Resource Machine will launch on Switch this March.
Comments 64
Are they still asking for the same price of these old games because they didn't really answer the question? They really ought to be lower.
"Will there be any promotions for those that decide to pick up two or even all three games, such as a bulk discount?
Kyle: Each of our games will be cheaper than ... an arugula salad in San Francisco. And you'll be able to get all three of our titles for less than the price of some of the other titles.
Other Kyle: There might be some technical hurdles to form a bundle, but people keep asking, so we're looking into if it's possible.
Dandy Wheeler, Nutrition Enthusiast: Arugula is a critical part of our ecosystem and my lunch."
How much is an arugula salad? What is an arugula salad? I noticed at Christmas that they discounted Little Inferno on Wii U in the US to $5 but skipped Europe.
You should have asked why World of Goo never came to the Wii U when it would have benefited from the gamepad and less restrictions of Wiiware, plus HD. I'm asking it, in case they're reading.
hahahahahahha this is the funniest interview that I ever read.
These guys are insane.
Switch might end up being the way I get to play Human Resource Machine. Loved the other two, but never got around to playing that one.
I hope the price is lower than the Wii & Wiiu otherwise no sale here.
I might bite just because of this interview
Yeah I'll probably buy these games just because of this interview, they came across as great guys and I always like to support developers like that.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE yeah I'd love World of Goo on Wii U, have it on Wii
Never played any of their games, but I'll definitely bite if there's a bundle of some sort. If not, I might get World of Goo, as I've heard many good things about it over the years.
These games are all FANTASTIC.
The only disappointment is that the series starts off with the highest point (World of Goo) and the other games aren't quite as awesome... but all three are charming and challenging and fun.
They are definitely worth buying if you don't own them yet (and probably worth re-buying even if you do).
My personal pipe dream: seeing a Tomorrow Corporation compilation disc get physical release from Limited Run Games.
I liked World of Goo on the Wii. Fun game, but I probably wouldn't buy it again.
Googling on san francisco arugula salad learns me that it costs somewhere between $6 and $12...
@ricklongo
It's a brilliant game
All I played was Little Inferno on Wii U and that's more than enough for me to buy all 3 for the Switch.
Give me all 3 for £15 and I'll definitely bite . If not then I'll probably pick up whichever ones they added multiplayer to first. Tbh I bet little inferno looks awesome on a TV like a real fireplace. I haven't played their latest game yet, but judging by their other games I'm sure it's good.
Uh oh, he said 'WiiMotes'... I bet @ThomasBW84 audibly sighed when he saw that.
@ricklongo World of Goo is so fantastic. Is it too much to hope for a bundle in cartridge form?
World Of Goo and Little Inferno were both great. Haven't played HRM, so I'll definitely be picking that up for Switch. Been a long time since I've played WoG...If a bundle is available at a good price, I'd buy that to replay WoG.
Great, great interview!
Thank you, Nintendo Life!
And Tomorrow Corporation, I love your games!!!
I have not played Human Resource Machine yet, missed the last sale, but I like this group and look forward to anything they do. I hope they stick together for a loooong time, even if they individually do other larger jobs. There is a cool vibe and decent arty games.
I haven't played any of these games.
World of Good and Human Resource Machine interest me. I might get 1 or both, but I want to wait and see the prices first
I'm yet to play their games. If a bundle is available I will be tempted to pick them all up - if not, I will just get World of Goo, as it seems to be the most well received.
I will definitely buy World of Goo. What I like most about them is the amount of story they can put in even though they are just puzzle games.
Depending on the price I could be tempted by portable world of goo.
The interview was lovely - its obvious these guys love what they do.
Love these guys. I happily plunged into Little Inferno at the Wii U's launch, and really enjoyed it for how quirky and weird it was. I never got Human Resource Machine, but I'll definitely grab that at launch. Might get World of Goo as well, since I've only ever played it on my phone, and I don't think I finished it. Keep the good stuff coming, fellows!
Bought Little Inferno on Wii U but didn't finish it. Haven't tried any of their other games and wasn't planning to until I saw this review, now I'm gonna buy all 3! One of the best interviews I've read, picture included lol.
I have World of Goo on Wii, BlackBerry 10 and Steam.
I also have HRM on Steam and Little Inferno on Wii U.
If the price is right - I'd happily buy them again and have them all in one place... but having owned them already, the price has to be amazing.
I'm guessing they will each be like $9.99 in the US. I have never played world of goo or Human resource machine, although I have world of goo on steam. Might have to pick up human resource machine just to have a nice cheap game option at launch to go with my zelda.
I've always loved these guys humor both in game and personally. I have every game they're released, some more than once, and if they make more, I'll sure buy them.
I question their cool levels. My cousins had a sets genesis and she was about as cool as the side of the pillow you slept and drooled on all night.
I haven't played any of these games, hopefully there are demos to try them and see how they play. My time with the PS4 got me interested in indies, I'm looking forward to quite a few indie gems on the Switch.
Those guys are really funny.
I've only played Human Resource Machine and it's an ingenious game to learn or test basic programming skills.
Think it's about time I got World of Goo on PC - I have never seen or played it - and Little Inferno on Wii U, which actually looked quite well in the eshop videos.
Great games aside, I pretty much want to hang out with these guys and maybe hit up a barcade...
Loved Little Inferno...even when I got rid of the Wii U, I ended up purchasing it on my Mac...great to know I'll get to play it again, and I will pay the $10 for it again no matter what!!! World of Goo, I'm seeing with the $15 price tag on, and will pay for that one too! I never got a chance to play Human Resource Machine, as the trailer and screenshots made it not look as great as the other two, but I could be wrong. Anyone play it and see the same greatness as the other two???
World of goo was a great game, but are they not going to be any Switch Pro controller support for the games at all?
World of Goo was a lot of fun, completed the PC and later the Wii version... But don't think I'll get it again on Switch, unless there's new content (which shouldn't be hard to do, right? I'm surprised they never made a sequel on add-on pack).
As for the other 2... I'm not sure they're actual games, they haven't caught my eye.
I've only tried world of goo but if prices are right I might get all 3, not like theres much else to be played in between sessions of Zelda and bomberman
@shani
Little Inferno is pretty good fun. Worth a go.
Kudos to them for the control options as well.
I still thought they were launch day, did not know they had slipped. Which is a bit pants, I was going to play world of goo whilst waiting for Amazon to send Zelda! Oh well i'm sure the menus will be fun!
I'll probably be picking these up at launch, or near that time. I played Little Inferno on Wii U and loved it, and always wanted to play the other two, but never got around to it. Def gonna support this Indie Dev, as well as some others like Binding of Isaac devs, Jools W., Steamworld Devs, Shovelknight devs, etc Apologies, it's early and I'm forgetful of names atm! 😆
But yeah, a lot of these indie devs have been making my 3DS, and Wii U feel like the early days of SNES. Really awesome and fun stuff! A lot of the time, more fun than big triple A releases if I'm being honest.
Best introductory line.... EVER!
I'm not sure whether this is supposed to be a joke or just what...
"In Handheld Mode, you can use your fingers to control all three games."
This section was interesting (as was the rest of it). I've never heard anyone talk about how the touch screen works into the whole thing. It's obviously a bit trickier for developers to prioritise, as it's only available in handheld mode.
Having both options sounds very sensible, but I wonder if/when we'll start seeing touch-focused handheld-only games arrive.
Nintendo Life article of the year (so far). Great entertaining read. So much more interesting to a person that plays games than "...Nintendo stock down 12.6%..." or "...but is it enough Teraflops..."
@GrailUK Yup, I concur! I'd love to see more fun articles like this where the devs actually sit down and discuss the fun they have making / playing games. Not tech specs, profit loss, financial reports, or reasons why something sucks / failed.
If I want doom, gloom, and negativity I can check out any national/international news site and see which countries are at war, how many people are dying, etc....
Not that NL reports negatively all the time! Not saying that. Just that, there seems to be a lot of negativity now days, and it's nice to see light hearted fun to escape that sort of crap.
So dry. I love it.
Great interview!
@SLIGEACH_EIRE cant see how the price is relevant to you, since from every comment you've left since January 13 has made it clear that Nintendo should be selling the switch with 50 pack in games, for £20, and you should win prizes just for playing, but as they're not, Switch is the worst consumer rip off since horse armour.
@Maxz I think the launch needs to happen without this feature promoted. The Switch is distinctive because it's a dedicated game machine and it can't be seen as a tablet at this point. It's a mixed message that could actually do damage. I'm guessing that's why a web browser was a low priority as well.
That being said, it's actually pretty cool that the Switch can play many of the very good and creative games that are best played on a multitouch screen as well as the games with dedicated controls. Especially if it has a user base that expects deeper games that cost money rather than free-to-play distractions.
Again, though, even if it is successful promoted as a tablet playing the same games as mobile I think bringing many people to it only looking for that type of game would be a failure for Nintendo. Making those types of games is not Nintendo's primary strength.
Anyway, that's pretty far out there in hypothetical land but ultimately becoming a good home for some types of traditionally tablet and smartphone apps and games is a place the Switch can grow into eventually.
@aaronsullivan Yeah, I got into a discussion with my friend about this exact point. Nintendo has to be very careful with how it advertises the system this time around. Thankfully the general perception isn't nearly the same as the Wii U - "it's a tablet addon to Wii, why should I buy it..."
Still, it can do so much out of the box, without the right message, it could get confusing. Start with slamming it as a new home console, 6 months down slam the portable aspect, another 6 months pic another feature to promote heavily. Less confusing that way.
Off subject - Has NL done a poll yet about how each of us will play the Switch? Like only docked, mixed, portable but home, portable outside? I'm curious what everyone's plans are.
Myself, being a father of a 16mo toddler, the tv is pretty much dominated by her and her mom, so if I want to play a game it's either 3DS, Wii U off-screen, Vita/Vita Remote Play PS4. I actually 100% RE7 last weekend, and all my runs were done on Vita. My daughter gets way into watching me game. 😆
Tomorrow Corporation On Supporting Switch And Why It Loves Nintendo:
"None of us were cool enough to own a Sega"
LOL gold.
Also, Other Kyle is funny. I like him.
One of the best develop interviews I've read in a while. XD
Interested in the games myself - in World of Goo for a while now, and Little Inferno sounded like an interesting concept. I actually own HMR on PC, but even with all my atrophy of shame, I doubt I'm in a position to inquire about double-dipping discounts for a game I grabbed in a Humble Bundle package. XD
(yes, I bought several games on HB for a platform I don't know when I'll ever get to play them on. It's a somewhat long story, but I blame Nintendo website)
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Still waiting...
@Dm9982 I spend way more time at my workplace or in the vicinity of it than home (a teacher's schedule can be all over the place), and both TVs at home are usually occupied when I'm around, so on-the-go has been my main and borderline only way of playing games for years now. Switch has me hyped to the moon and back for a reason. I don't know how long it may be before I so much as use TV mode for the first time. XD
Also, 16-months-late congratulations from me!
Man, these guys are great. I'll buy all three of these games again just to support the devs a little bit more!
This is a really entertaining interview. Did they write the changing titles and make the very very good joke graphics or did Whitehead?
If nothing else, these guys are one of the only developers out there making video game stories I care about.
I love those guys
@nhSnork Haha, I completely understand the feels there. I'm a stay home dad, and basically only get 2 hours a night to game. Usually when the girls go to bed. 😆😆
And thank you so much for the congratz! She's a little bundle of awesome, and learning so fast. I've got vids of her at 7-8 months just watching me play Pokémon on the 3DS, then a month later trying to use the stylus. Now days, if I pull the stylus out she runs to grab it and play too. Lol!
@RodSD64, @World, and @mjnmixael - its devs like these that remind me why I love gaming. These guys, ImageAndForm, Miyamoto.... there are a few others I'm forgetting. But these types of devs love gaming, and you can feel it in their games. If you pick up a controller and play something like Streamworld, Shovelknight, Little Inferno, Mario, or Zelda... you can actually feel the fun that was had even creating them. Then pick up a series, typically from a huge company like EA. We'll use Mass Effect as an example. ME1 had the same sense of feeling. Of love, creativity, and exploration. By ME3 you could feel the corporate bottom line take over, and what was once a flower blossoming in a field, became an overgrown thicket.
This is why since around 2012-2013, I've started supporting indie devs far more than big business devs. A large margin of them have lost sight of the customer, and only see wallets. It's a shame. Have any idea how shocked I was when I opened Witcher 3 and before even seeing the disc, saw a "Thank you for purchasing our game..." note on the inside? Holy crap. Haven't seen anything like that since the 90s. Lol!
Sorry bout that, /rant.
@RodK79 Show me that quote please? Liar!
So awesome. I look forward to buying all three and playing through World of Goo again... Little Inferno was also such a time waste but I couldn't stop playing!
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Just found out that "arugula" is the funny and ugly americanization of the italian "rucola"; it's a very common spontaneous herb here in Italy. Cheap and tasty, pseudo-chefs turned it into an exotic and expensive thing for the rich ignorants. This makes me believe the games will still be full price...
@AlternateButtons How is what I wrote negative? They are legitimate questions and they sidestepped the pricing question.
@RodK79 Gold. Absolute gold.
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