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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Poor Reception

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer game identity.

The president noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire message from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, 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 receiving him next week. We are all eager to keep seeing the evolution of the game in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution 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 fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Face the rivals with new abilities, risks, and tests that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and hope your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

The game does not have an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as development progresses.