Layoffs Hit ‘Project Ethos’ Team as 2K Unveils New Concept Art, Details for Game

Video game developer 2K‘s 31st Union studio is experiencing a round of layoffs amid development on its upcoming “Project Ethos” video game project.

The unconfirmed number of cuts come as the Take-Two Interactive-owned 2K has unveiled new concept art (which readers can view below) and details for the long-gestating game.

“Our studio is committed to building a bold new game with a renewed direction and vision – a skill-based PVP roguelike experience that will challenge and thrill players,” 31st Union studio chief Ben Brinkman said in a memo to staff announcing the layoffs Thursday. “We’ve evolved as a team this past year in what has been a defining period of creative growth. While the moves we’re making haven’t always been easy, they are what is required to push us forward. I believe strongly in our ability to deliver on this vision and the promise of this game.”

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Brinkman continued: “Since joining 31st Union, 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. Our success is dependent on our ability to work more quickly and nimbly. To do that, we’ve made the difficult decision to scale back our team to better align with where we are in development, which unfortunately means parting ways with some valued colleagues today.”

See the memo to staff from Brinkman in full below, which was provided to Variety by 2K.

31U Team – 
 
Our studio is committed to building a bold new game with a renewed direction and vision – a skill-based PVP roguelike experience that will challenge and thrill players. We’ve evolved as a team this past year in what has been a defining period of creative growth. While the moves we’re making haven’t always been easy, they are what is required to push us forward. I believe strongly in our ability to deliver on this vision and the promise of this game. 
 
Since joining 31st Union, 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. Our success is dependent on our ability to work more quickly and nimbly. To do that, we’ve made the difficult decision to scale back our team to better align with where we are in development, which unfortunately means parting ways with some valued colleagues today.  
 
While today is going to be hard, 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. 
 
I want to give my sincere thanks to those leaving us today for their contributions to our studio and game. We’re committed to supporting them through this however we can.
 
I know this will be a hard day for everyone. Please give yourself and your peers the space you need as we process and adjust to these changes. 
 
Don’t hesitate to reach out to me, your manager or our HR partners if you have questions or need any support.
 
Ben