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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Response

Brinkman steps into 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 Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a clearer game identity.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed 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 am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a clearer brand.

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

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His guidance and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, put it on the line, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

The game has not yet received an announced launch window or supported systems, but fans can expect more updates as production progresses.