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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition 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 Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a more defined direction.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The trust in this project increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following several months of talks, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all excited to continue witnessing the progress of the game in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the style."

"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 states. "Take on the competition with new abilities, stakes, and tests that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as creation progresses.