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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete text from the president's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

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

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. Following several months of discussions, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His management and background in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving Ben soon. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Face the competition with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."

The game has not yet received an official release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as production continues.