Tron: Catalyst developer, Bithell Games, downsizes its full-time workforce just two months following the game's release
Bithell Games Announces Layoffs and Scales Back Operations
In a surprising move, Bithell Games, the UK-based studio known for developing games like John Wick Hex and Tron: Catalyst, has announced layoffs of the majority of its full-time staff. The decision comes as a result of the studio's inability to secure funding for a new larger-scale project, a common challenge in the game development industry during 2024 and 2025.
The layoffs will not affect the availability of Bithell Games' existing self-published games and ongoing support for them. John Wick Hex and Tron: Catalyst will continue to be available and supported, although it's worth noting that John Wick Hex was delisted last month, an event unrelated to the layoffs. The move primarily impacts the studio's capacity for developing new large-scale projects.
The financial situation at Bithell Games is challenging, much like many other small to mid-sized developers trying to find funding partners for future projects in the current climate. Mike Bithell, the founder of Bithell Games, has acknowledged these challenges and has ensured that affected employees will receive severance pay and assistance in finding new roles.
The studio's latest release, Tron: Catalyst, peaked at 56 concurrent players on Steam, while John Wick Hex, a licensed game by Bithell Games, debuted as an Epic exclusive in 2019 but its top concurrent player count on Steam was only 85. The 61 total Steam reviews for Tron: Catalyst suggest a muted launch.
Since its founding in 2013 by Mike Bithell, Bithell Games has released both small-scale indie games and higher-visibility licensed fare. The studio's success began with the 2012 puzzle-platformer Thomas Was Alone, which propelled Mike Bithell into the limelight of the game development industry.
As Bithell Games moves forward, the team hopes that their audience will continue to follow individual team members as they move to other roles. The layoffs were communicated ahead of time, ensuring a smooth transition for all involved.
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[1] Game Developers Face Funding Challenges in 2024-2025
[2] John Wick Hex Delisted from Steam
[3] Tron: Catalyst Peaks at 56 Concurrent Players on Steam
[4] John Wick Hex Top Concurrent Player Count on Steam
[5] Bithell Games Announces Layoffs
[1] The challenging financial situation in 2024 and 2025 has put many game developers, including Bithell Games, in a position where they struggle to secure funding for new, larger-scale projects.
[2] A sudden event unfolded in 2024 when John Wick Hex, a game by Bithell Games, was delisted from Steam, an event unrelated to the layoffs the studio announced later.
[3] In its peak, Tron: Catalyst by Bithell Games had only 56 concurrent players on Steam, indicating a lower playerbase compared to other games.
[4] The top concurrent player count on Steam for John Wick Hex was 85, showcasing its moderate player base.
[5] In a surprising move, Bithell Games, known for games like John Wick Hex and Tron: Catalyst, announced layoffs of the majority of its full-time staff due to the studio's financial struggles.
