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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 developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Response

The new appointee takes on 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 informed team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined game identity.

The president noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full text from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our players.

The trust in this project grows every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him in the coming days. We are all excited to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Take on the competition with unique powers, risks, and tests that evolve every round. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your squad can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an official release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as creation advances.