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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Poor Response

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to consideration and overhauled the title with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all eager to keep observing the development of the game in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. Then, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Take on the competition with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that change every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your team can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official release date or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as creation advances.