Bithell Games Faces Significant Layoffs as Funding Obstacles Stall New Game Development

Published Time: 08-11-2025, 16:45

Bithell Games, an independent video game developer renowned for Thomas Was Alone and John Wick: Hex, has announced major layoffs, affecting most of its full-time employees. The reductions come as the studio struggles to secure funding for a new large-scale project. Despite the staff cuts, Bithell Games confirmed that support for its current self-published titles will continue uninterrupted.

Funding Challenges Lead to Staff Reductions

In a transparent statement posted on Bluesky, studio founder Mike Bithell revealed that eleven full-time positions were made redundant due to difficulties securing investment partners for an upcoming ambitious game.

“Leading up to the release of our latest title, Tron: Catalyst, it became evident that we were not immune to the funding challenges many game developers face in 2024 and 2025,” Bithell explained.

He acknowledged the emotional and professional toll of the decision, stressing the studio’s efforts to provide severance packages and open communication to support the departing staff. “This was an incredible team of exceptionally talented people,” Bithell added, highlighting their contributions.

Impact on Existing Games and Studio Operations

Bithell reassured players and fans that the layoffs would not disrupt access to or support for the studio’s existing games. Titles such as Thomas Was Alone, Tron: Identity, John Wick: Hex, and The Banished Vault remain fully supported and available to the community.

“Our commitment to our current games and their players remains strong despite these difficult changes,” Bithell emphasized.

Staff Perspectives: A Senior Animator’s Reflection

Among those affected by the layoffs is Rich Stubbs, a senior animator at Bithell Games. On LinkedIn, Stubbs shared his sentiments, expressing pride in his work, especially his role as the sole animator on a Disney-affiliated project.

“Like many in the industry today, I have been made redundant,” Stubbs wrote.

He described his tenure at Bithell Games as “a genuinely great ride” and considers his contributions a source of pride. “Being the sole animator on a Disney project is a badge of honour I will wear with immense pride,” Stubbs said.

He also extended heartfelt thanks and respect to his colleagues and the studio for the opportunities and experiences over the years.

Bithell Games: A History of Innovation

Founded in 2013 after the success of Thomas Was Alone, Bithell Games has gained recognition for its narrative-driven indie titles and creative approach to game design. The studio’s portfolio includes Tron: Identity, a story-rich adventure, and John Wick: Hex, a tactical action game.

The recent layoffs at Bithell Games mirror a broader trend within the video game industry, where many independent developers face funding difficulties amid changing market conditions in 2024 and 2025.