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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined game identity.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

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

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having spent the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him next week. We are all looking forward to persist observing the evolution of the game in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an announced debut schedule or consoles, but players can anticipate additional details as creation continues.