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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

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

Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a sharper brand.

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

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the new Lead of the team. After several months of discussions, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement 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 description reads. "Face the rivals with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or go big, put it on the line, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or consoles, but players can look forward to additional details as development progresses.