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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined vision.

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

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to consideration and overhauled the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. After some time of conversations, he starts with us on next week.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the development of the game in the time to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Face the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

The game does not have an confirmed release date or consoles, but players can expect further news as development progresses.