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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a clearer vision.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news echoes a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full text from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to heart and overhauled the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. After some time of talks, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to persist witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter 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 explains. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."

The game lacks an official launch window or consoles, but fans can anticipate additional details as production continues.