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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Response

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure 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 David Ismailer updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined vision.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue seeing the development of the game in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward 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 fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or supported systems, but players can look forward to additional details as production progresses.