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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition 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 removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined direction.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full text from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a public demo. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as development continues.