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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

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

Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. After some time of discussions, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having devoted the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all eager to keep observing the development of the game in the months to come.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

The game has not yet received an confirmed release date or consoles, but players can look forward to additional details as production continues.