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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a distinct game identity.

The president noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes 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.

Below is the entire text from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was informative. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to mind and revamped the title with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of the team. After several months of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the recent years developing and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the style."

"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. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or consoles, but fans can look forward to more updates as creation continues.