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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

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

Here is the complete text from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our players.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having devoted the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most well-known titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all excited to continue seeing the evolution of the game in the time to follow.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that change every match. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an announced launch window or supported systems, but fans can expect further news as creation progresses.