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

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete message from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to mind and revamped the title with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most popular series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to continue witnessing the development of the game in the months to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and tests that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

The game does not have an announced release date or supported systems, but fans can anticipate further news as production progresses.