Project Ethos: a new direction for the 2K shooter

Project Ethos, the third-person shooter in development at 31st Union, a studio under 2K, is undergoing major changes as the team adjusts to the game’s future vision. This article looks at the latest developments, staffing changes, and the project’s strategic shift.

About Project Ethos

Project Ethos was originally announced in October 2024 as a free-to-play, third-person hero extraction shooter with roguelike elements. The game presented an ambitious concept, but it was criticized for lacking a clear identity. 31st Union, founded in 2019 by Michael Condrey, is now led by Ben Brinkman, who previously worked on Apex Legends at Respawn.

Staffing changes and strategic shift

On May 7, 2026, Ben Brinkman confirmed in an internal memo that Project Ethos’ development team is undergoing significant staff reductions. The decision was made to better align development goals with the project’s current progress. While exact layoff numbers were not shared, Brinkman stressed the importance of the move in creating a more agile working environment.

New vision and gameplay changes

Project Ethos is shifting toward a skill-based PvP roguelike experience, designed to challenge and entertain players. Brinkman said the change is part of a refreshed direction announced in 2025. He remains confident in the game’s future, despite the loss of valued team members.

Future developments

Project Ethos’ future remains unclear for now, especially when it comes to a release date. Brinkman emphasized that despite the challenges, Take-Two and 2K’s commitment to supporting the project has not diminished. There are signs that the developers are working on new concepts and character designs that could improve the gameplay.

Conclusion

Project Ethos is facing a major transformation that affects not only the team, but the project’s entire direction. With the recent changes under Ben Brinkman’s leadership, 31st Union hopes to deliver a unique and challenging experience for players. For now, it remains to be seen how these changes will unfold in the future.