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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined vision.

The president stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire content from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a clearer identity.

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

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben soon. We are all excited to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Take on the competition with new abilities, stakes, and tests that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

The game lacks an official release date or supported systems, but players can anticipate more updates as development continues.