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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman steps into 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 Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined direction.

Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the entire text from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to consideration and overhauled the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our players.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. After several months of conversations, he officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having spent the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to keep observing the evolution of the game in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Face the competition with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed release date or platforms, but fans can look forward to further news as development progresses.