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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Poor Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a distinct game identity.

The president stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire message from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed 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! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Face the rivals with new abilities, risks, and tests that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or aim high, gamble everything, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or platforms, but players can expect additional details as development progresses.