🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the requirement for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our fans.

The trust in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. Following some time of discussions, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the weeks to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced debut schedule or consoles, but players can expect more updates as creation progresses.