2K’s 31st Union Studio Confirms Layoffs, Remains Confident in Project Ethos

2K's 31st Union studio has announced layoffs while expressing renewed confidence in its free-to-play shooter Project Ethos. Studio head Ben Brinkman confirmed the job cuts in a statement, citing the need to scale back the team to align with the current stage of development.

Studio head cites need for agility

Project Ethos is described as a skill-based PvP roguelike experience with a renewed direction. The game was originally revealed in October 2024 as a third-person roguelike hero shooter, but has since been reworked. Brinkman stated that changes were necessary to realize the studio's goals and work more quickly and nimbly.

Brinkman said he has never been more confident in the future of the game, the team, and the commitment from Take-Two and 2K leadership. He emphasized that the decision to part ways with some colleagues was difficult but necessary for success.

The exact nature of Project Ethos's genre remains unclear, as it may still include hero elements. 31st Union has not provided further details on the game's features or a release window.