Tron Developer Bithell Games Lays Off Majority of Staff After Project Ends

British indie studio Bithell Games has laid off most of its full‑time team mere weeks after launching its time‑loop action title Tron: Catalyst, following the failure to secure a new large‑scale project.

This move affects 11 staff members, as confirmed by studio head Mike Bithell in a social media statement, leaving the studio’s future direction uncertain.

"In the run‑up to our latest release, it became evident we weren’t exempt from the funding challenges many game development teams have faced in 2024 and 2025," Bithell explained. "Thankfully, we could address these issues early and support departing staff through severance packages to ease their transition."

Previously, Bithell Games developed Tron: Identity, a puzzle‑visual novel hybrid that served as a proof of concept for collaborating with Disney on the sci‑fi franchise.

Before these titles, the studio gained recognition for the tactical RPG John Wick Hex, building on the earlier indie successes Thomas Was Alone and Volume.

"We must emphasize that this was an exceptional team of highly skilled individuals," Bithell added. "If you’re a developer hiring, every affected person would be a valuable asset. Feel free to contact us if you’d like an introduction."

"This announcement does not affect the availability of our self‑published games or their ongoing support. We are deeply thankful to our audience and hope you’ll continue to follow our team members in their future roles. Bithell Games has always been shaped and lifted by its people. Today, we are fewer."