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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Response

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a distinct direction.

The president expressed that the team is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Hires

The news echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire content from the president's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is vast, having spent the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that evolve every match. Will you safely extract with your collected items? Or aim high, risk it all, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or supported systems, but fans can expect further news as development progresses.