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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a more defined game identity.

The president noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned 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 excited for that partnership to persist.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our players.

The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Lead of the team. After a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.

His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Face the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and tests that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

The game lacks an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as production progresses.