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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct game identity.

The president stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. Following some time of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the category."

"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 reads. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every round. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or go big, gamble everything, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

The game does not have an announced launch window or consoles, but players can expect additional details as development progresses.