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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Poor Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the need for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete message from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a more distinct identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and revamped the title with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

His leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a public demo. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, risks, and tests that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or platforms, but fans can look forward to additional details as creation continues.