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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined direction.

The president stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete message from the president's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our players.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben soon. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or platforms, but fans can expect further news as production continues.