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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a more defined game identity.

The president noted that the team is now refining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

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

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After some time of talks, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His management and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having spent the recent years creating and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all excited to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but fans can expect more updates as creation advances.