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

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete message from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our players.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of the team. Following several months of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.

His guidance and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all looking forward to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Face the opponents with unique powers, risks, and challenges that change every match. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

The game lacks an official release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as development advances.