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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Response

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a clearer vision.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a revised vision, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire text from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your meeting - 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 am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our fans.

The trust in this project increases every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having dedicated the recent years producing and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary explains. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your squad can secure victory? The option is up to you."

The game has not yet received an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can anticipate more updates as creation continues.