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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a clearer vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete message from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and reimagined the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, he officially joins us on the specified date.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him in the coming days. We are all excited to persist witnessing the development of the game in the time to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that shift every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."

The game has not yet received an official release date or platforms, but players can expect additional details as development continues.