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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Response

The new appointee assumes the leadership position 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 initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a clearer direction.

The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

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

Here is the complete text from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is vast, having spent the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all excited to persist seeing the development of the game in the months to come.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the title 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 suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Face the competition with fresh skills, risks, and tests that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed release date or platforms, but fans can anticipate additional details as production continues.