2K Brings Onboard Popular Battle Royale Producer to Rescue Struggling Hero Shooter Ambitious Title

The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Poor Feedback

The new appointee steps into 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 the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire message from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. After some time of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting Ben soon. We are all excited to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Face the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or aim high, risk it all, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or supported systems, but fans can anticipate further news as creation progresses.