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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Poor Reception

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Lead of the team. After several months of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.

His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the recent years developing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"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 description reads. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your team can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an official debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as creation progresses.