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

Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a clearer game identity.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our audience.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To further the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to keep observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Face the competition with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, gamble everything, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

The game lacks an announced debut schedule or consoles, but fans can look forward to further news as development continues.