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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct vision.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news echoes a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire content from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to consideration and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our audience.

The trust in this project increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having dedicated the recent years developing and managing some of the most popular series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Face the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can look forward to further news as creation progresses.