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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a more defined direction.

Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our players.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most popular series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the category."

"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 description explains. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that evolve every round. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but fans can anticipate more updates as production continues.