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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined vision.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full text from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all eager to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Face the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official debut schedule or consoles, but players can anticipate more updates as production progresses.