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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 anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct vision.

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

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire message from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most popular series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a early access event. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

The game lacks an confirmed release date or consoles, but players can look forward to further news as development continues.