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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader 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 David Ismailer notified employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a distinct direction.

The president expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

The belief in this project increases every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having devoted the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving Ben next week. We are all excited to persist observing the development of the game in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but fans can expect additional details as creation advances.