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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head 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 disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct vision.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire content from the president's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the recent years producing and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, risks, and tests that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or go big, put it on the line, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

The game does not have an confirmed release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect further news as development progresses.