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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a more defined direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to mind and overhauled the title with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of the team. After some time of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all excited to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"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 reads. "Face the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and tests that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

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