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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Poor Reception

The new appointee 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 unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer game identity.

The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from the president's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. Following several months of conversations, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to continue witnessing the progress of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

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

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the category."

"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. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that change every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as creation advances.