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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Poor Reception

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a more defined vision.

The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the competition with unique powers, challenges, and tests that change every session. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as development advances.