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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Comes After Poor Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head 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 initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer game identity.

The president stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a clearer identity.

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

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having spent the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving Ben next week. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to come.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your squad can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or consoles, but fans can anticipate additional details as production continues.