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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a clearer vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. After a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that change every match. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but fans can look forward to additional details as development advances.