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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer direction.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete content from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

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

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to consideration and overhauled the title with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our audience.

The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His leadership and background in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Experience of the New Head

The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement 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. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but players can look forward to further news as production advances.