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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a clearer direction.

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

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire text from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of talks, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having dedicated the recent years producing and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Face the opponents with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an official release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as creation continues.