Cut to Bits

Cut to Bits is an independent video game development studio based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Established in late 2019 by three developers formerly with Ubisoft Montreal, the studio creates atmospheric, narrative-driven games that combine player agency with evocative world design. Its development capabilities encompass game direction, programming, level design, narrative design, art and animation.

The studio’s flagship release, Venture to the Vile, is a dark fantasy 2.5D Metroidvania set in Rainybrook, a Victorian-inspired town affected by a mysterious encroaching force. Players absorb monstrous abilities from an entity known as the Vile while searching for missing townspeople. The game combines action-adventure exploration, quests and puzzle platforming within a surreal setting.

Exploring depth and perspective

A central feature of Venture to the Vile is its use of interactive foreground and background planes within a three-dimensional world. Players navigate between these planes, bringing perspective shifts into exploration and puzzle solving. This approach connects the studio’s interests in 2.5D game design, narrative-led environments and dark fantasy worldbuilding.

Developed by Cut to Bits with backing from Japanese publisher Aniplex, the game launched on PC through Steam on May 22, 2024. PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 editions followed on December 19, 2024. Aniplex serves as the game’s commercial publishing partner, while Cut to Bits remains an independent studio.

Following financial difficulties and a substantial workforce reduction in June 2024, the remaining team continued supporting the release. Its subsequent work included performance and balancing updates during summer 2024, followed by the console editions later that year. The studio’s documented activity reflects continued development and support of its debut title after launch.