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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 working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct vision.

The president noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, he officially joins us on next week.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all eager to keep seeing the progress of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as production progresses.