31st Union Studio is cutting jobs while continuing work on Project Ethos, its long running free to play shooter under 2K.
Studio head Ben Brinkman confirmed that layoffs are affecting the team, though the number of impacted employees has not been shared. He said the studio needs to move faster and work more nimbly as Project Ethos moves forward with a renewed direction.
Project Ethos was first announced by 2K in October 2024. At the time, it was described as a third person roguelike hero shooter. The reveal did not land strongly, and former studio president Michael Condrey was removed from his role in February 2025.
The project now appears to have changed. Brinkman described it as a skill based PvP roguelike experience, which suggests 31st Union has moved away from at least part of the original pitch. It is still unclear whether the game keeps its hero shooter elements.
A new piece of concept art reportedly shows a more distinct fantasy inspired visual identity, moving away from the earlier look that some compared to Fortnite.
Here is the current picture:
| Area | Status |
|---|---|
| Studio | 31st Union |
| Publisher | 2K |
| Parent company | Take Two |
| Game | Project Ethos |
| Business model | Free to play |
| Current genre pitch | Skill based PvP roguelike |
| Earlier pitch | Third person roguelike hero shooter |
| Layoffs | Confirmed, number not disclosed |
| Direction | Renewed vision and revised identity |
Brinkman said he remains confident in the game, the team, and the support from 2K and Take Two leadership. That suggests the project is not being canceled, even after years of development, leadership changes, and a weak first reveal.
Still, the layoffs make the situation difficult to read. A project can have publisher backing and still face pressure if its scope, budget, or direction no longer match where it is in development. Scaling back the team may help 31st Union focus, but it also shows that Project Ethos is still trying to find the right shape.
Take Two has supported long running projects before, including games that spent years in development before reaching players. That may give Project Ethos more time, but it also raises expectations. A free to play PvP game needs a clear identity, strong mechanics, and enough momentum to stand out in a crowded market.
For now, Project Ethos is still alive, but it is changing. The studio is smaller, the pitch has shifted, and the game needs a stronger second impression than its first one. The layoffs are another reminder of how unstable game development remains, even at studios backed by major publishers.
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