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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Poor Response

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a more defined direction.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Hires

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the recent years producing and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting Ben next week. We are all eager to persist observing the progress of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Or go big, risk it all, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed release date or supported systems, but players can look forward to further news as production progresses.