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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full message from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting Ben next week. We are all excited to persist seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Face the opponents with new abilities, risks, and tests that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

The game has not yet received an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as production continues.