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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a more defined vision.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Hires

The news mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben next week. We are all excited to keep seeing the evolution of the game in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a early access event. Then, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as production continues.