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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Poor Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a distinct vision.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that shift every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your group can secure victory? The decision is yours."

The game does not have an announced release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as production progresses.