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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Poor Reception

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a distinct vision.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our players.

The belief in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. Following several months of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.

His management and background in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all excited to persist witnessing the progress of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person 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 official summary reads. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official debut schedule or supported systems, but players can anticipate additional details as development progresses.