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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a clearer game identity.

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

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following some time of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben soon. We are all excited to continue observing the development of the game in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the New Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person 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! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Take on the competition with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that change every session. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or platforms, but players can look forward to additional details as production advances.