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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the necessity for a more defined vision.

The president stated that the developers is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to heart and reimagined the title with a renewed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. After some time of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting Ben soon. We are all eager to keep witnessing the progress of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a early access event. Then, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that change every round. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your squad can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an official release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect further news as production continues.