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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct vision.

Ismailer noted that the team is now refining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, he officially joins us on next week.

His leadership and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having dedicated the recent years creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the development of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a public demo. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that change every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your team can secure victory? The option is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect further news as development progresses.