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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Poor Reception

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a distinct direction.

The president stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full text from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our players.

The belief in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. Following several months of talks, he officially joins us on the specified date.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to keep seeing the development of the game in the time to follow.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and tests that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

The game lacks an official release date or supported systems, but fans can look forward to further news as production continues.