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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Poor Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a more defined vision.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full content from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our audience.

The belief in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting Ben next week. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the style."

"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 official summary explains. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as creation progresses.