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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Comes After Poor Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a distinct direction.

The president noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

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

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

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

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to consideration and overhauled the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. After a period of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the recent years developing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben next week. We are all excited to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that shift every match. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect further news as production progresses.