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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from the president's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After several months of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.

His guidance and background in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him soon. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Face the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that change every session. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as development progresses.