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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined game identity.

The president stated that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete content from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving Ben next week. We are all eager to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the style."

"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 official summary reads. "Take on the competition with unique powers, risks, and tests that shift every match. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and trust your team can secure victory? The decision is yours."

The game lacks an official release date or supported systems, but fans can look forward to additional details as development progresses.