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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

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

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our fans.

The belief in this project increases every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. After several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having dedicated the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, 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 eager to persist witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and tests that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or platforms, but players can expect further news as production progresses.