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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Poor Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer game identity.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to consideration and overhauled the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

His guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all excited to continue witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, risks, and tests that change every match. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your group can secure victory? The choice is yours."

The game does not have an announced launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as development continues.