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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer vision.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

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

Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following several months of talks, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the recent years developing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a public demo. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that change every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as production continues.