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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news follows a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full content from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our fans.

The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an official release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as creation progresses.