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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Response

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 lackluster early showing last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a clearer vision.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all excited to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward 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 match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that shift every round. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as production advances.