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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring 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 players.

The belief in this project grows every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, Ben starts with us on next week.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that shift every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and hope your squad can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as production progresses.