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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer 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.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman takes on 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 Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete text from the president's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our fans.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following some time of discussions, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having spent the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting Ben next week. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and tests that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or supported systems, but players can look forward to further news as creation advances.