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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 working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Response

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

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct direction.

The president stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire content from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. After some time of talks, Ben starts with us on next week.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having dedicated the recent years developing and managing some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to persist witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that change every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed release date or consoles, but players can expect further news as creation progresses.