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

Management Transition Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a distinct direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire content from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. After a period of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the recent years developing and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben next week. We are all excited to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, risk it all, and trust your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an official launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as production progresses.