It has been reported via 'PC GAMER' that 31st Union, a developer under 2K Games, is downsizing the development team for its new shooter, 'Project Ethos'.

This news was revealed through a message sent to internal employees by Ben Brinkman, the head of 31st Union Studios. Brinkman explained that some workforce reductions were carried out, stating, “We determined that a more agile and efficient development structure was needed to achieve the project’s goals.” While the exact scale of the layoffs has not been disclosed, overseas media estimate that a significant number of development personnel have been affected. ThirtyFirst Union is a studio founded by Michael Condrey, well known for developing the ‘Call of Duty’ series. Condrey previously served as a co-founder of Sledgehammer Games and established ThirtyFirst Union in 2019 under 2K Games to develop a new AAA project. However, he left the studio last year, and it is currently operating under the leadership of Ben Brinkman. Along with these layoffs, the most notable aspect is the shift in direction for ‘Project Ethos’. When the title was first revealed, it was introduced as a PvPvE-based extraction shooter and a roguelike hero shooter. However, recent official descriptions use the phrase "skill-based PvP roguelike experience," raising the possibility of a change in direction. The industry believes this is due to the recent intensification of competition in the live service shooter market. In fact, analysis suggests that over the past few years, numerous PvPvE and hero shooter games have failed to achieve commercial success or have gone through the process of service termination, leading publishers to become more sensitive to project risk management. In particular, 'Project Ethos' has been evaluated as having failed to meet market expectations since its initial reveal. Some also view this as a result of the overlapping factors of prolonged development and changing market trends, ultimately leading to a situation where a change in direction and organizational downsizing are taking place simultaneously. Meanwhile, 2K Games drew a line, stating that the project has not been canceled. The company explained that development of ‘Project Ethos’ is currently continuing and that this is a reorganization process aimed at increasing the potential for long-term success.