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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer direction.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following some time of discussions, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."

The game has not yet received an announced release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect further news as development progresses.