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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a more defined vision.

The president noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter space is vast, having spent the recent years developing and managing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

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

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative 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 fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is yours."

The game has not yet received an official release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as development progresses.