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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Poor Response

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct vision.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to consideration and reimagined the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. Following several months of talks, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the recent years developing and managing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Face the competition with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that change every round. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but players can look forward to additional details as creation continues.