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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. After a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben soon. We are all eager to persist seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a community playtest. Initially, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and challenges that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced launch window or supported systems, but fans can look forward to further news as creation advances.