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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer direction.

The president stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our players.

The trust in this project grows every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.

His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having devoted the recent years creating and leading some of the most popular series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in last year alongside a public demo. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed release date or platforms, but players can anticipate further news as production progresses.