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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Poor Reception

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a distinct vision.

The president noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news follows a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full message from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our fans.

The belief in this project grows every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. Following several months of talks, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving Ben soon. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the development of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or go big, put it on the line, and trust your squad can secure victory? The option is up to you."

The game has not yet received an official launch window or consoles, but fans can anticipate more updates as creation advances.