2K Games are reducing staff at developer 31st Union as the studio pursues what its leader describes as "a renewed direction and vision" for its free-to-play multiplayer title, Project Ethos – formerly known as a "roguelike hero shooter," now reimagined as a "skill-based PvP roguelike experience" featuring distinctive coral-inspired architecture.
The news was reported by GamesIndustry.biz, which obtained an internal memo from studio head Ben Brinkman. Brinkman took over after the departure of Michael Condry, a veteran behind Dead Space and Call of Duty, in 2024.
Brinkman’s message follows the standard pattern of corporate platitudes and euphemisms. "Since joining 31st Union, it has become evident that adjustments to our team are necessary to achieve our objectives," he wrote. "Our success relies on our ability to operate with greater speed and agility. To this end, we have made the tough decision to reduce our headcount to better match our current development stage, which unfortunately means saying goodbye to some valued colleagues today."
If you are new to Studio 31st Union, it was established in 2019 – a more optimistic era for hero shooters. As GI’s Jon Hicks points out, the first substantial footage of Project Ethos emerged around the time Sony pulled Concord from sale, casting a shadow over an already crowded genre.
I’m sorry to see people lose their jobs, and I wish all those affected the best. That said, based on Ian Games’ impressions, it’s hard to understand why anyone would want to play Project Ethos. It appears to be an apologetic blend of ideas from Fortnite, Overwatch, and Vampire Survivors, complete with the standard selection of three new abilities upon leveling up. Still, keep in mind that I am a creature of pure cynicism, steeped in regret. Perhaps younger gamers will find time for it when they aren’t occupied by Roblox.
Despite all this and the recent layoffs, Brinkman remains "more confident than ever in the future of our game, our team, and the ongoing commitment and investment from Take-Two and 2K leadership." While 2K hasn’t disclosed how many employees were let go, they did share new environmental artwork – an image of a twisting, sprouting monolith. It’s unclear what this is meant to demonstrate.
