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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head 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 underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire content from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having devoted the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all excited to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or supported systems, but fans can anticipate further news as production continues.