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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete message from the president's communication:

Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Head

The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and tests that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and hope your team can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect further news as creation advances.