Tron: Catalyst – Bithell Games Expands Iconic Franchise with New Action Game in 2025

The Tron franchise continues its legacy in the video game world with the release of Tron: Catalyst, an exciting new action game from Bithell Games. Available now on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, this title dives deeper into the mysterious world of the Arq Grid and its programs.

In Tron: Catalyst, players assume the role of Exo, a resilient program possessing a unique power called the Glitch. As Exo navigates the crumbling society of the Arq Grid, players experience thrilling Light Cycle rides, Identity Disc combat, and intense chases led by the malevolent program Conn. The game’s story-rich gameplay explores the glitches threatening the Grid’s stability.

Building on Tron: Identity

Bithell Games’ previous title, Tron: Identity, was a visual novel puzzle game that allowed the team to explore the franchise’s story and characters. Creative Director Mike Bithell describes this earlier game as a valuable learning experience. “We treated Tron: Identity like school, an opportunity to learn the story, art, and characters of the world,” Bithell said, adding that it also helped gather fan feedback that influenced Tron: Catalyst.

While Catalyst offers very different gameplay, lessons about the importance of storytelling and worldbuilding carried over. Bithell noted, “The audience really wanted to know who lived in the Arq Grid, and we’ve tried to open up that world.”

Respecting the Tron Legacy

Working with such an iconic franchise requires respect. Bithell emphasized honoring the legacy of creators before them, the current custodians of the franchise, and future storytellers. He praised Disney and Pixar Games for their collaborative spirit and pushing ideas to their best form. “You tell your own stories, but they’re always rooted in the truths of that world,” he said.

Authentic Combat and Gameplay

Combat in Tron: Catalyst features classic elements like the Identity Disc, a hallmark of the Tron universe and a tribute to legendary arcade games like Discs of Tron. Bithell described the design mantra: “This is a world created by a game designer, always lean into that sense of play.” The team focused heavily on making core mechanics such as parrying feel satisfying and integral to the gameplay, with extensive iteration based on player feedback.

Timing with Tron: Ares Movie

The release of Tron: Catalyst aligns well with the upcoming Tron: Ares movie debuting later in 2025. Bithell sees the timing as purposeful rather than accidental. He recalled participating in the opening festivities of the Tron Light Cycle attraction at Walt Disney World during the launch of Tron: Identity and expressed excitement about the renewed interest in the franchise.

With Tron: Catalyst, Bithell Games has delivered a fresh, action-packed experience that respects and expands the beloved Tron universe, perfectly timed to complement the franchise’s return to the big screen.