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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct game identity.

The president stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete message from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to mind and overhauled the title with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. Following some time of talks, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to keep witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary explains. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, risks, and tests that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or supported systems, but players can look forward to additional details as development progresses.