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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 forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Poor Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our audience.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. After several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His guidance and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all excited to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an confirmed release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as development progresses.