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

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined vision.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire content from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to mind and overhauled the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His management and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, risk it all, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but players can look forward to further news as development continues.