🔗 Share this article

2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a distinct vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. After several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting Ben soon. We are all excited to keep observing the development of the game in the months to come.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but fans can look forward to further news as production progresses.