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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Poor Response

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire content from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. After some time of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him next week. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a public demo. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, risks, and challenges that shift every match. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, gamble everything, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or platforms, but fans can look forward to additional details as creation continues.