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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.

The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete content from the president's communication:

Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

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

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having devoted the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to keep seeing the evolution of the game in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that shift every session. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

The game does not have an announced release date or consoles, but fans can look forward to further news as creation continues.