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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Poor Response

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the recent years developing and managing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all excited to continue observing the evolution of the game in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an announced release date or supported systems, but fans can expect further news as production continues.