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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the entire text from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a sharper vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His management and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting him next week. We are all excited to persist witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Face the competition with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

The game has not yet received an announced release date or supported systems, but players can look forward to further news as creation progresses.