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The renowned publisher 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 forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Reception

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

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full text from Ismailer's memo:

Dear 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 message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”

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

The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was informative. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our players.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the recent years developing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him next week. We are all eager to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a public demo. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Face the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as production continues.