First Day at Bitmap Brothers: A Dream Job Begins
In his latest video, Retronaut (Chris Thomas) shares the unforgettable story of his first day with the iconic Bitmap Brothers. This video continues his personal series chronicling his Bitmap Brothers career during the golden era of British game development.
From the moment he received the job offer, Chris knew he was stepping into something special. The move from Reading to London, his arrival at the Wapping studio, and the first introductions to the team—everything felt surreal.
Moving to Wapping
Chris details the whirlwind process of moving to London. After signing his contract, he was quickly set up with a flat in Surrey Quays. The office was located in a converted warehouse in Wapping—just across the Thames.
Armed with his Amiga 4000 and a few boxes, Chris got help from friends to make the big move. With no GPS or Google Maps back then, he relied on paper maps and instinct. The adventure had already begun.
Meeting the Bitmap Team
Day one kicked off with coffee and kindness, thanks to Abby Haynes, the office manager. Chris met Mike Montgomery, one of the original Bitmap founders. He also connected with fellow 3D artist Terry, with whom he’d share both responsibilities and a creative rivalry.
The office was buzzing. Developers worked on projects like Chaos Engine 2, and music composer Chris Whild was pioneering interactive music for Zed. Everyone had a role, and Chris was ready to find his.
Diving into 3D Art
Chris and Terry were assigned to animate the intro sequence for Zed. Pre-built models of characters like Brad, Allan, and General Zod were already done. But they had to bring these static assets to life with lighting, animation, and atmosphere.
Chris focused on what he did best—lighting, modeling, and texture work. Despite some initial technical hurdles, he quickly adapted to the PC workstation setup and workflow.
Learning the Culture
Chris gives us a feel for the daily rituals. Lunch was a sandwich from Wapping High Street. The office pub was the Captain Kidd, a historic spot once linked to pirate executions.
These details ground his Bitmap Brothers career in real experiences. The studio wasn’t just a workplace—it was a creative hub filled with talent, tension, and excitement.
Looking Ahead
The video ends with a promise: more stories are coming. Chris plans to explore team dynamics, behind-the-scenes challenges, and the development of Zed. Future episodes will mix timeline narratives with personal anecdotes.
Fans of 16-bit games, British game development, and insider studio life won’t want to miss it.
Why You Should Watch
This video is perfect for anyone fascinated by retro gaming history. Chris’s storytelling is rich, honest, and filled with detail. It’s a first-person view into a Bitmap Brothers career at one of the UK’s most revered studios.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to The Bitmap Brothers, this video offers rare insight into their creative world.
