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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire content from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. After some time of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him in the coming days. We are all eager to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your squad can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or platforms, but players can expect additional details as production advances.