2K lays off staff working on free-to-play shooter Project Ethos, while hinting at “new direction and focus”
2K has announced layoffs at 31st Union, the development studio behind the free-to-play shooter Project Ethos. Studio head Ben Brinkman revealed the workforce reduction in an internal memo, stating the team needed to “scale back to better align with where we are in development.”
The layoffs accompany a significant creative pivot for Project Ethos. The game is being repositioned as a “skill-based PVP roguelike,” a shift from its original description as a “roguelike hero shooter.” Brinkman described the evolving title as “a bold new game with a renewed direction and vision – a skill-based PVP roguelike experience that will challenge and thrill players.” This represents part of a broader creative direction first announced in 2025.
Despite the staff reduction, 2K and parent company Take-Two remain committed to the project. Brinkman stated he has “never been more confident in the future of our game, this team, and the commitment and investment Take-Two and 2K leadership continue to show.” The studio head emphasized that the team has experienced “a defining period of creative growth” over the past year.
The exact number of affected employees was not disclosed, nor was a release date provided for Project Ethos. The game remains in development at 31st Union, with 2K handling publishing duties.