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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct direction.

The president stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the full message from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to mind and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His management and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having spent the recent years developing and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep observing the development of the game in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that shift every round. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

The game lacks an official launch window or consoles, but fans can expect additional details as production progresses.