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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a more defined game identity.

The president noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

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

Here is the full message from the president's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its promise to our fans.

The belief in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. After a period of conversations, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having dedicated the recent years creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to persist seeing the development of the game in the months to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as creation advances.