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

Management Transition Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a clearer direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. After a period of talks, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep observing the progress of the game in the time to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a public demo. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Face the competition with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can expect more updates as creation progresses.