Following recent industry shifts and studio changes at Bithell Games, developer Mike Bithell has opened up about his next project, Vampirium: 1997. In a recent interview, Bithell detailed how the PC game abandons traditional 3D graphics in favor of an "im-slim" format utilizing text, menu options, a positional map, and 2D flavor images.
Quick Facts
- Game: Vampirium: 1997
- Developer: Bithell Games
- Platforms: PC, Mac
- Format: Tile-based text and menu immersive sim
- Availability: Wishlistable now on Steam; early access launch planned
The Power of Quick Verbs in Slim Design
Unlike Bithell's previous licensed projects such as John Wick Hex and Tron: Identity, Vampirium: 1997 is built entirely on independence and creative control. By stripping away complex 3D assets, Bithell Games can focus heavily on expanding the title's possibility space.
According to Bithell, keeping the visuals simple allows the development team to rapidly iterate on mechanics. While adding a new gameplay action in a traditional 3D game requires an enormous investment of time and resources, the slim text-and-tile approach permits the team to introduce a new verb in just a couple of days.
Production and Early Playtesting
Bithell noted that this minimalist methodology has already proven effective during internal testing. Feedback regarding interactions—such as a playtester asking why they could not physically push another character—immediately sparked design iterations on how pushing mechanics could function within the text-based space.
While the team is still testing whether players will ultimately resonate with the stripped-down format, Bithell expressed complete creative satisfaction with the direction of the project, stating that he wants to see where the game takes him next.
Vampirium: 1997 is currently heading toward a Steam Early Access launch, and players interested in following its progress can wishlist the game on PC and Mac via Steam.