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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer game identity.

The president stated that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire message from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. Following some time of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most popular series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting Ben soon. We are all eager to continue seeing the progress of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that change every session. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or consoles, but players can look forward to additional details as production continues.