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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct vision.

The president noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

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

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

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having spent the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the development of the game in the months to follow.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement 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 description reads. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and tests that change every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but players can anticipate additional details as creation advances.