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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full text from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

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

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. After a period of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having spent the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement 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 official summary reads. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your team can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as production progresses.