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

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined direction.

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to heart and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the recent years developing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all excited to keep observing the evolution of the game in the months to come.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Face the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, gamble everything, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as development continues.