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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Poor Reception

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined game identity.

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

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our players.

The trust in this project increases every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. Following a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His guidance and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the recent years developing and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben next week. We are all excited to persist observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Face the competition with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that change every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or consoles, but players can anticipate additional details as creation continues.