Layoffs at 31st Union Amid Project Ethos Development
In a recent announcement, 2K Games’ studio 31st Union has confirmed layoffs affecting an undisclosed number of employees, a development first reported by GamesIndustry. This decision comes as the studio continues its work on Project Ethos, a free-to-play hero shooter that was unveiled in 2024.
Ben Brinkman, the studio head who transitioned from Respawn to 31st Union in October 2025, addressed the team in a memo shared with PC Gamer. He stated, “it’s become clear that changes need to be made to our team in order to realize our goals and deliver this experience for players.” Project Ethos was initially introduced as a “roguelike hero shooter,” although PC Gamer editor Tyler Wilde pointed out that the game deviates from traditional roguelike mechanics, allowing players to select from randomized buffs during matches. The gameplay resembles that of Fortnite, featuring hero characters equipped with unique weapons and abilities, alongside a low-stakes PvPvE extraction mode as its primary draw.
Brinkman, while discussing the layoffs, described the studio’s commitment to crafting a “bold new game with a renewed direction and vision—a skill-based PVP roguelike experience that will challenge and thrill players.” He emphasized the team’s evolution over the past year, marking it as a significant period of creative growth.
This shift raises questions about 2K’s confidence in the viability of Fortnite-style extraction and hero shooters, which may appear riskier than previously thought. The gaming landscape has seen its share of challenges, with titles like Arc Raiders and Highguard illustrating the unpredictable nature of this genre. Even industry giants such as Bungie are not immune to the pitfalls, as evidenced by the performance of Marathon compared to Arc Raiders on Steam.
Notably, this is not the first indication of turbulence for Project Ethos. The original studio head, Michael Condrey, was reportedly dismissed just four months after the game’s announcement, following a lackluster reveal that came shortly after the disappointing conclusion of Concord, another live-service shooter that struggled to gain traction. Since then, updates on Project Ethos have been sparse, culminating in the recent layoffs.
The current cuts at 31st Union echo similar layoffs that occurred in 2025 at 2K Games’ Cloud Chamber, which is developing a new BioShock title. Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has expressed his disappointment regarding the lengthy development timeline for the new installment, noting that “finding the right creative purchase” has proven more challenging than anticipated. This sentiment may also resonate with the situation at 31st Union and Project Ethos.
Despite the challenges, Brinkman remains optimistic, stating, “I’ve 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.”
