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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a clearer game identity.

The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete message from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a sharper vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to heart and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the recent years creating and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all eager to keep observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or supported systems, but players can expect more updates as development continues.