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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a distinct game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full message from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - 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 driven and creative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our audience.

The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. Following some time of talks, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the progress of the game in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Experience of the New Head

The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Face the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that shift every session. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or go big, gamble everything, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an official debut schedule or consoles, but players can expect more updates as development advances.