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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a clearer vision.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him in the coming days. We are all eager to keep observing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Background of the New Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, put it on the line, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as production advances.