British indie studio Bithell Games has let go of the "majority" of its full-time employees, just weeks after releasing its time-loop action title Tron: Catalyst, after being unable to secure a new large-scale project.
This decision leaves 11 team members without jobs, Bithell Games founder Mike Bithell confirmed today in a social media statement, casting uncertainty over the studio’s next steps.
"In the run-up to our latest game’s launch, it was clear we weren’t exempt from the challenges many game studios faced while looking for funding partners in 2024 and 2025," Bithell explained. "We have been able to give our team advance notice of these hurdles and have worked closely with departing employees to ease their transition through severance arrangements."
Previously, Bithell Games developed Tron: Identity, a puzzle-visual novel hybrid that served as a proof of concept for a collaboration with Disney on the sci-fi franchise.
Before these releases, the studio earned recognition for the tactical RPG John Wick Hex, following the critical success of early indie favorites Thomas Was Alone and Volume.
"It’s important to emphasize that this was an outstanding team of highly skilled individuals," Bithell added. "If you're a developer who's hiring, each of the affected team members would be a valuable addition to your studio. Feel free to get in touch if we can help connect you.”
"This announcement does not affect the availability of our self-published games or our ongoing support for them. We're deeply thankful for our community and hope your support for our work continues as these talented individuals move into new roles. Bithell Games has always been shaped and elevated by its people. Today, we’re fewer in number."