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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Poor Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of the team. After a period of conversations, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist witnessing the progress of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Face the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your team can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or consoles, but fans can anticipate further news as production continues.