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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined direction.

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

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire text from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to mind and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. After several months of conversations, he officially joins us on next week.

His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting Ben soon. We are all eager to persist witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and tests that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as production advances.