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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

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

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The belief in this project grows every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. After several months of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to persist observing the development of the game in the months to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that shift every match. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

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