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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a more defined vision.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire text from the president's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game demo was informative. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the recent years developing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the months to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Face the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every match. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."

The game has not yet received an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but fans can look forward to further news as production continues.