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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Poor Reception

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer vision.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct identity.

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

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. After several months of discussions, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all excited to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Face the competition with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every round. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, risk it all, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or consoles, but fans can expect more updates as development continues.