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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Response

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

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer game identity.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

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

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our players.

The belief in this project grows every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the recent years developing and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to persist witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to come.

David

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, stakes, and tests that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

The game lacks an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but players can expect further news as creation progresses.