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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a more defined direction.

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

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having spent the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting Ben next week. We are all excited to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, risks, and challenges that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as creation advances.