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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman steps into 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 underwhelming unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a more defined vision.

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

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire text from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

The trust in this project increases every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His management and background in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the progress of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the style."

"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 game's pitch explains. "Face the rivals with new abilities, risks, and challenges that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your squad can secure victory? The option is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official release date or platforms, but fans can look forward to further news as development advances.