"Across the industry, we don't think enough about how we match the scope to what we're making" – Mike Bithell on why the world needs an im-slim

In a challenging year for indie game developer Mike Bithell, his company Bithell Games was forced to downsize after two licensed properties underperformed. The company was once led by Bithell, who gained recognition in the early 2010s with hits like Thomas Was Alone. However, Bithell took on bigger, licensed projects like John Wick Hex and Tron: Identity and Catalyst, which ultimately led to the downsizing of the company.

Bithell is now focusing on a new project called Vampirium 1997, an immersive sim game with a minimalist top-down approach. Unlike traditional immersive sims, Vampirium 1997 utilizes a tile-based format and verb-based choices, allowing for quicker development and more experimentation. Bithell believes that by slimming down the game's visuals and focusing on intricate interactions, he can create a unique gaming experience.

The game was completed in just nine months and announced in early July, demonstrating Bithell's ability to create innovative content despite the challenges he faced in the past.