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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Poor Reception

The new appointee takes on 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.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a distinct vision.

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

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all excited to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Then, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Face the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and tests that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your group can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

The game lacks an official release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as production continues.