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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Response

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer vision.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement echoes a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete content from the president's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

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

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to keep observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as production progresses.