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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete text from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all excited to keep observing the progress of the game in the months to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"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 reads. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that change every round. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."

The game has not yet received an official debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as creation continues.