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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Hires

The news echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full message from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the recent years developing and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all looking forward to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Face the rivals with unique powers, risks, and tests that change every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as production continues.