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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Response

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete message from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. Following a period of discussions, he officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having spent the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist witnessing the development of the game in the time to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Face the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and tests that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and trust your group can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an official debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as production progresses.