TRON Developer Bithell Games Cuts Most Full-Time Staff

British indie developer Bithell Games has laid off the "majority" of its full-time team, just weeks after releasing its time-loop action game Tron: Catalyst. The studio was unable to secure a new large-scale project to sustain operations.

The cuts affect 11 employees, as announced today by studio head Mike Bithell in a social media statement. The move leaves the studio's future direction uncertain.

"In the lead-up to our latest game's launch, it became evident that we, like many teams in 2024 and 2025, were not exempt from the difficulties of securing development funding," Bithell explained. "We were able to give advance notice of these challenges and have worked to support departing staff with severance packages."

Bithell Games previously developed Tron: Identity, a puzzle and visual novel hybrid. That project served as a proof of concept, establishing the studio's working relationship with Disney on the sci-fi franchise.

Before the Tron projects, the studio gained recognition for the tactical RPG John Wick Hex. Its earlier indie hits, Thomas Was Alone and Volume, first established its reputation.

"I must emphasize that this was an incredible team of exceptionally talented individuals," Bithell added. "To any hiring developers reading this, every affected team member would be a fantastic addition. Please contact us if you'd like an introduction.

"This news does not affect the availability of our existing self-published titles or their ongoing support. We are deeply grateful to our community and hope you will follow the individual team members as they move on to new roles. Bithell Games was always defined and elevated by its people. Today, we are fewer."