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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Poor Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had shown the necessity for a clearer vision.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

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

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After some time of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him next week. We are all eager to keep seeing the progress of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and tests that evolve every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an official release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as production progresses.