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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.

The president expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire text from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement 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 suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that shift every session. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an announced release date or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as creation progresses.