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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having devoted 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, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting Ben soon. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the development of the game in the time to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward 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 fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and hope your team can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or consoles, but players can expect further news as creation advances.