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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman assumes 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 the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a clearer direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard 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 town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to mind and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His management and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the recent years developing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben soon. We are all eager to persist seeing the progress of the game in the months to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Face the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your squad can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

The game has not yet received an official debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can anticipate more updates as creation advances.