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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the requirement for a distinct direction.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire text from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. After several months of talks, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter space is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him in the coming days. We are all eager to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and tests that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your squad can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as production continues.