Take-Two Interactive
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MMO Business Roundup: 2K’s layoffs, Indiana’s Roblox lawsuit, CCP’s rename, and the Tarkov effect
This MMO business roundup covers several industry developments, including layoffs at 2K Games' 31st Union studio working on Project Ethos. Indiana is suing Roblox and Discord over child safety concerns, while Escape from Tarkov's popularity is cited as a driver for the extraction shooter genre. CCP Games rebranded to Fenris Creations to avoid conflict with China, and Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick stated Grand Theft Auto VI is being developed without crunch.
2K Games confirms layoffs at Project Ethos shooter studio and hints at new design direction: 'It's become…
2K Games studio 31st Union has confirmed layoffs as it shifts the direction of its free-to-play hero shooter Project Ethos towards a skill-based PVP roguelike experience. Studio head Ben Brinkman expressed confidence in the new vision despite the team changes. This follows previous reports of trouble with the project, including the departure of its original studio head.
2K makes layoffs at Project Ethos developer 31st Union
2K-owned studio 31st Union, developer of the free-to-play shooter Project Ethos, has undergone layoffs. Studio head Ben Brinkman stated the downsizing is necessary for a renewed direction and to work more quickly. This follows a previous round of layoffs in January 2024 and the reported firing of former studio head Michael Condrey.
2K lay off staff at Project Ethos while touting "a renewed direction and vision" for their by-the-numbers hero shooter
2K Games is laying off staff at developer 31st Union as they rebrand their free-to-play multiplayer game Project Ethos. The title, previously a 'roguelike hero shooter,' is now described as a 'skill-based PvP roguelike experience.' Studio head Ben Brinkman cited a need for the team to work more quickly and nimbly, despite assurances of continued investment from Take-Two and 2K leadership.
GTA 6 Company "Exploring" AI To Help Make Games "Smarter" And Possibly Bring Down Costs
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick stated that the company is exploring the use of AI and technology to make game development more efficient and potentially reduce escalating production costs, citing Grand Theft Auto 6 as an example of a massive blockbuster investment. Zelnick emphasized that while AI is being considered, the focus is on leveraging technology to create efficiencies without compromising game quality or scope. Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
GamesStop wants eBay, Nintendo confirms Switch 2 price hike, and union boss says EA buyout is a national security risk - Patch Notes #51
This week's gaming news roundup covers GameStop's $55.5 billion takeover bid for eBay, Nintendo's confirmation of price hikes for the Nintendo Switch 2, and concerns raised by a union boss regarding the potential Saudi Arabian buyout of Electronic Arts, citing national security risks. The article also touches on internal leadership changes at Xbox, layoffs at 2K, and the rebranding of CCP Games.
Games Inbox: Would you pay over £80 for GTA 6?
Readers discuss the potential price of Grand Theft Auto 6, with one arguing that even at £100, it offers better value than a cinema trip. Other topics include the struggles of the Xbox platform, the long wait for a new Bioshock game, and the merits of the PlayStation 5's performance upgrades. There's also excitement surrounding potential remakes for Nintendo Switch 2, including Star Fox 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Super Mario 64.
PlayStation’s First-Party Studios Are Using Generative AI for QA, 3D Modeling, Animations
Sony is integrating generative AI tools into PlayStation Studios' development pipelines for tasks like QA, 3D modeling, and animation, using tools like Mockingbird for facial animations. While Sony emphasizes AI as an amplifier for human creativity, other studios like Mundfish, IO Interactive, and Take-Two Interactive have expressed caution or confirmed no AI use in their current projects, particularly for art assets in games like Grand Theft Auto 6.
2K lays off staff working on free-to-play shooter Project Ethos, while hinting at "new direction and focus"
2K has laid off staff at its studio 31st Union, which was developing the free-to-play shooter Project Ethos. Studio head Ben Brinkman stated the team was scaled back to align with the game's development stage and a renewed direction towards a skill-based PVP roguelike experience. Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick previously championed the title as part of a strong upcoming lineup.
Developer Behind 2K's Project Ethos Suffers Layoffs, but Take-Two Is Sticking With the Game
The developer working on 2K's Project Ethos has experienced layoffs, but publisher 2K and its parent company Take-Two Interactive have confirmed their commitment to the game's development. Despite the workforce reduction, the project is expected to continue.
'Deeply Disappointed': BioShock Boss Just as Annoyed by the Wait for New Game as You Are
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed deep disappointment regarding the prolonged wait for a new BioShock game, acknowledging that the development team at Cloud Chamber has explored several creative dead ends. While a new entry is confirmed to be in development, its release timeline remains uncertain, with Rod Fergusson now involved to help steer the project towards a 'great' final product.
GTA 6’s budget isn't $2,000,000,000 but it's three times more than most games
Industry analysts estimate Grand Theft Auto 6's development budget to be between $1 billion and $1.5 billion, significantly less than previous rumors but still making it the most expensive game ever made. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick declined to comment on the specific budget but acknowledged it was costly. This high cost is attributed to the game's advanced graphics and its role as a successor to the highly successful Grand Theft Auto 5.
GTA 6 was delayed to avoid crunch, claims Take-Two CEO, comparing notoriously crunchy Rockstar to college: "You do your homework, you don't pull an all-nighter"
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick stated that delays for Grand Theft Auto VI were implemented to prevent developer crunch at Rockstar Games, comparing the development process to college homework. Despite Zelnick's claims, past reports and recent allegations suggest a history of difficult working conditions at Rockstar, including issues related to union-busting.
Civilization 7's huge 'Test of Time' update arrives this month, and it's full of deep changes to the divisive 4X game
Civilization 7 is receiving a major 'Test of Time' update on May 19th, which aims to address community feedback and refine the game's divisive design decisions. The update introduces new mechanics like Syncretism for civ upgrades, overhauls victory conditions, and replaces Legacy Paths with Triumphs. It also includes additional free content such as a new map, narrative events, and a leader.
BioShock 4 is not cancelled as Take-Two boss owns up to Civilization 7 failings
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick confirmed that BioShock 4 is not cancelled and is currently in a good development state, though he acknowledged past wasted resources. He also took responsibility for Civilization 7's perceived shortcomings and explained that the delay of the Borderlands 4 Nintendo Switch port is to prioritize fixing the PC version.
Civilization VII Update Will Finally Let Players Stay as One Civ Through All Ages, as Take-Two Boss Admits: 'We Got It Wrong'
Take-Two Interactive's CEO has admitted that the company "got it wrong" with a previous design choice in the Civilization series. A forthcoming update for Civilization VII will allow players to remain with a single civilization throughout all game ages, addressing a long-standing player request.
Project Ethos, The New 2K Shooter, Undergoes Changes As Dev Lays Off Staff
2K's 31st Union studio is undergoing significant changes for its third-person shooter Project Ethos, shifting its direction to a skill-based PvP roguelike and laying off staff. Studio head Ben Brinkman confirmed the renewed direction, aiming to make the game more nimble and aligned with development goals. This pivot follows a previous report in February 2025 suggesting the game needed to change or face cancellation.
Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick is as "deeply disappointed" as players at the absence of a new BioShock
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed deep disappointment regarding the prolonged development of the next BioShock game, acknowledging that the company has invested significant resources into exploring creative directions. While the project has faced challenges and potential creative resets, Zelnick is now more optimistic, stating that the team is committed to delivering a great experience rather than just a good one.
GTA 6 Company Reveals Which One Of Its Franchises Lost "A Great Deal Of Money"
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick stated that the company lost a significant amount of money on its MLB 2K series and is unlikely to re-enter the baseball video game market due to its small size. While the MLB franchise ended, Take-Two continues to develop successful sports titles like NBA 2K, PGA Tour 2K, and WWE 2K, and has recently released NFL 2K Playmakers.
BioShock 4 Lost Years Chasing "Dead Ends," Says Take-Two CEO
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed disappointment over the prolonged development of new BioShock games, stating that the studio has pursued unproductive creative avenues. He remains optimistic about the franchise's future, comparing game development to filmmaking and emphasizing the collaborative nature of the process.
