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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a distinct vision.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our players.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.

His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all eager to persist witnessing the progress of the game in the months to come.

The President

Experience of the New Head

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a public demo. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling 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 official summary reads. "Face the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect further news as creation progresses.