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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Response

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our players.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most popular series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting Ben next week. We are all excited to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the category."

"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 description reads. "Face the competition with unique powers, risks, and tests that change every round. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, gamble everything, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an official release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as production progresses.