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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined vision.

The president stated that the team is now refining the project with a revised approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full message from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and overhauled the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on next week.

His management and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Face the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but players can expect additional details as production continues.