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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct direction.

The president stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire text from the president's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our fans.

The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. After several months of talks, he starts with us on next week.

His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving him in the coming days. We are all excited to persist seeing the development of the game in the time to ahead.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"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 official summary states. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and hope your team can secure victory? The option is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but players can look forward to additional details as development progresses.