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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a distinct direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

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

Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. After several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him next week. We are all looking forward to keep observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward 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 explains. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your team can secure victory? The option is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed release date or consoles, but fans can expect further news as production advances.