Bithell Games
- Open roles
- 0
- Founded
- 2013
- Employees
- 1-10
- Offices
- 0
About Bithell Games
Bithell Games is an independent British video game developer and publishing imprint founded in 2013 by game designer Mike Bithell. Established following the success of Thomas Was Alone, the studio develops original games and works with entertainment partners on licensed adaptations. Its work spans narrative adventures, stealth, tactical strategy, puzzle games and virtual reality.
Storytelling and experimentation connect projects with markedly different formats. Volume explores stealth, while Subsurface Circular and Quarantine Circular use text-based detective narratives. The Solitaire Conspiracy combines a cyberpunk setting with tactical solitaire. These releases reflect a catalogue built around distinct mechanics and character-driven stories rather than a single genre.
Original games and licensed worlds
For John Wick Hex, released in 2019, the studio worked with Lionsgate and Good Shepherd Entertainment to translate cinematic action choreography into timeline-based tactical decisions. Its collaboration with Disney Games subsequently produced TRON: Identity in 2023 and TRON: Catalyst in 2025, approaching the same fictional universe through a narrative visual novel and an isometric action adventure respectively.
The studio also expanded into virtual reality with Arcsmith, released for Meta Quest in 2021. Its publishing activity includes support for The Banished Vault, alongside collaborations with independent developers. In 2026, it partnered with Lunar Division on Amberspire and announced Vampirium: 1997, an assassination sandbox and immersive simulation.
Development and publishing
Alongside full-cycle game design, programming and development, Bithell Games undertakes narrative consulting, intellectual-property collaborations and publishing partnerships. Its history combines self-originated projects with work shaped around established entertainment properties, allowing its development and publishing activities to encompass both original worlds and adaptations.
The company operates remotely across the United Kingdom and internationally. It remains an active independent studio following a substantial staff restructuring in 2025, continuing development and publishing through a smaller core team supported by specialist contractors.
More about Bithell Games
Leadership
Alexander Sliwinski, a former games journalist, serves as Chief Operating Officer and co-director. Companies House records his director appointment on 30 June 2016; founder Michael Bithell has been a director since 8 February 2013.
Working practices and production
The studio describes a strict no-crunch approach and a commitment to sustainable production. Following funding constraints, eleven full-time employees were made redundant in August 2025. By mid-to-late 2026, its core comprised Mike Bithell, Sliwinski and a marketing specialist, with freelance and contract talent contributing to projects.
Vampirium: 1997 is being built using the Godot engine.
Long-term collaboration
Independent partner Ant Workshop has supported console porting, co-development and publishing, including console releases of Thomas Was Alone, Quarantine Circular and The Solitaire Conspiracy.
Notable credits
12 creditsOpen roles
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