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

Management Change Comes After Poor Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Key Hires

The news echoes a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

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

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the recent years producing and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben soon. We are all eager to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"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 fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your group can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but players can look forward to additional details as production advances.