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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Mixed Response

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal 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, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct direction.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having spent the recent years developing and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving him in the coming days. We are all excited to keep seeing the evolution of the game in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that change every round. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed release date or consoles, but players can expect further news as development continues.