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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a more defined direction.

The president expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the recent years developing and leading some of the most popular titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming Ben next week. We are all eager to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution 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 official summary states. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, put it on the line, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or supported systems, but fans can look forward to more updates as development continues.