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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a distinct direction.

The president stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Team—

I know 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 note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all eager to continue seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Face the competition with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that shift every match. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

The game does not have an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but players can expect additional details as development advances.