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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

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 removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. Then, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Take on the competition with new abilities, stakes, and tests that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced release date or consoles, but fans can expect additional details as development advances.