2K has laid off numerous staff at thirty first Union, the studio at the moment engaged on free-to-play roguelike shooter Mission Ethos, however studio head Ben Brinkman reckons issues are nonetheless on observe.
In an inner memo shared with Gamesindustry.biz by 2K itself, Brinkman says that whereas he is “by no means been extra assured in the way forward for [Project Ethos]”, employees cuts are needed with a purpose to “higher align” with the present state of the sport’s growth. He would not make clear precisely how far alongside Mission Ethos is on that observe.
It is also not clear precisely what number of staff are dropping their jobs; Brinkman says thirty first Union is “parting methods with some valued colleagues”, however he would not specify the variety of staffers being let go.
I am a bit perplexed on the contradictory messaging being employed right here, as I am certain you may be as nicely. It is exhausting for me to fathom how studio management will be “extra assured” in Mission Ethos than ever earlier than whereas chopping again employees numbers and transforming the sport’s course.
Truthfully, given how hostile the present local weather appears to be on the subject of live-service video games competing to your money and time, I would not be shocked if Mission Ethos’ days are numbered. This one might by no means see the sunshine of day, or it might limp alongside for a few weeks earlier than going the way in which of Harmony, Highguard, and plenty of different live-service contenders.
In case you’re questioning precisely what Mission Ethos is, nicely, you are virtually actually not alone. 2K revealed the sport as a roguelike hero shooter again in late 2024, and the resounding “meh” with which it was seemingly met reportedly resulted within the firing of thirty first Union’s then-studio head.
Mission Ethos has maintained radio silence since early 2025. It is not significantly encouraging to suppose that the sport has now misplaced a few of the employees engaged on it, however maybe the remaining builders can pull collectively and make this one one thing particular. You may wishlist it on Steam if you wish to maintain abreast of its progress.
