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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Poor Response

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer game identity.

The president noted that the developers is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Key Hires

The news mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to heart and overhauled the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him soon. We are all looking forward to persist observing the evolution of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that change every match. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or platforms, but fans can expect additional details as creation advances.