🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Poor Response

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

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire content from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, he officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the recent years producing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben next week. We are all looking forward to keep observing the development of the game in the time to follow.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting 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 explains. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

The game lacks an official release date or consoles, but players can anticipate more updates as creation advances.