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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

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

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our players.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a public demo. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and challenges that change every match. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an announced debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as production continues.