2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.
Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Feedback
The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head 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 a key figure notified staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the need for a distinct direction.
The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.
Trend of Key Recruitment
This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.
Here is the full content from Ismailer's memo:
Dear Team—
I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”
With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.
The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct brand.
It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.
The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.
Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter space is vast, having spent the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.
Please join me in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue observing the progress of the game in the months to come.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Head
The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Title Information and Vision
Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling 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 match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, risks, and tests that change every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and pray your squad can secure victory? The decision is yours."
The game has not yet received an confirmed release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as development advances.
