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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct game identity.

The president stated that the team is now refining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete message from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”

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

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our players.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. Then, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as development advances.