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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a clearer vision.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from the president's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - 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 believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to mind and overhauled the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. After several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His management and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting him soon. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a early access event. Then, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Face the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an official release date or platforms, but fans can expect further news as development progresses.