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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a clearer game identity.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

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

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

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

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our players.

The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following several months of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting him soon. We are all eager to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as development continues.