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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 developing the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Poor Response

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer direction.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire message from the president's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a renewed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following a period of talks, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming space is vast, having devoted the recent years creating and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the development of the game in the months to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Face the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

The game does not have an official release date or platforms, but fans can anticipate further news as development continues.