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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer game identity.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement follows a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the full text from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. After several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.

His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.

David

Experience of the New Head

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the competition with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that change every session. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your squad can secure victory? The option is up to you."

The game has not yet received an official debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as development progresses.