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

Management Transition Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Hires

The news follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and overhauled the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our players.

The trust in this project increases every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the progress of the game in the weeks to follow.

David

Experience of the New Head

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Face the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

The game lacks an official launch window or consoles, but fans can look forward to more updates as production advances.