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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a more distinct identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to mind and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our audience.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. After several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most popular titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all excited to keep witnessing the progress of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your squad can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced release date or consoles, but fans can anticipate further news as production advances.