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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Follows Mixed Response

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full text from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. Following a period of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently 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 diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"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 game's pitch reads. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an announced launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as creation continues.