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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire text from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After some time of talks, he starts with us on next week.

His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all looking forward to keep observing the development of the game in the months to follow.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the category."

"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 description states. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

The game does not have an announced release date or consoles, but fans can anticipate more updates as development continues.