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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman 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 Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire content from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following a period of discussions, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the recent years creating and leading some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the progress of the game in the months to follow.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Face the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and pray your team can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can look forward to more updates as creation advances.