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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a distinct game identity.

The president stated that the team is now refining the project with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire content from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to achieve its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all excited to continue observing the development of the game in the months to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and tests that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an official release date or platforms, but players can look forward to further news as development continues.