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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Poor Feedback

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a more defined game identity.

The president noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full text from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the recent years creating and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed release date or consoles, but players can look forward to more updates as development continues.