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

Leadership Change Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct vision.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

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

Here is the full message from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of the team. After a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His management and background in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having devoted the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

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

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Face the competition with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that change every round. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as creation continues.