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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Poor Reception

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer game identity.

The president stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire content from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Lead of the team. After some time of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most popular series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to continue witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that shift every match. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."

The game has not yet received an announced release date or supported systems, but players can anticipate additional details as development continues.