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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

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

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. 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 developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known series in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."

"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 states. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Or go big, gamble everything, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or consoles, but players can look forward to further news as creation advances.