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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union 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.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer vision.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our players.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of the team. After some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution 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 suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and tests that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your squad can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate additional details as production progresses.