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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman takes on 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' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining the project with a revised vision, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire text from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. After some time of conversations, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having spent the recent years creating and managing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all looking forward to keep observing the development of the game in the months to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or consoles, but fans can expect further news as development continues.