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

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Response

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Below is the full message from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the recent years producing and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to keep observing the evolution of the game in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

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, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the style."

"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 official summary reads. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, risks, and tests that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced launch window or supported systems, but players can look forward to additional details as production advances.