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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a clearer vision.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

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

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a more distinct vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our players.

The belief in this project grows every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he starts with us on next week.

His leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

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

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Face the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that change every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, put it on the line, and pray your squad can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as development progresses.