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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman takes on the leadership position 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 initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer direction.

The president noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After several months of discussions, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

The game has not yet received an confirmed launch window or platforms, but players can expect additional details as development progresses.