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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Poor Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the need for a distinct game identity.

The president noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire content from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our audience.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of the team. After some time of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the recent years developing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all eager to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Face the opponents with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

The game lacks an official release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect further news as creation advances.