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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Poor Reception

Brinkman takes on 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 the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer vision.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete message from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After some time of talks, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the recent years producing and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all excited to persist seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect further news as creation progresses.