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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Poor Response

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer direction.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The belief in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most popular titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the evolution of the game in the months to follow.

David

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary explains. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, gamble everything, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can expect more updates as creation advances.