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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the requirement for a clearer direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete message from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our players.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, he officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having dedicated the recent years developing and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting him next week. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the development of the game in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Face the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every match. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an official launch window or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as development continues.