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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a clearer vision.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to heart and overhauled the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. Following a period of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting him next week. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the category."

"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 game's pitch states. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, risks, and tests that shift every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but fans can look forward to additional details as production advances.