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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a clearer direction.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news follows a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full message from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

The belief in this project grows every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. After several months of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the recent years producing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the style."

"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 official summary explains. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, risks, and tests that shift every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and hope your squad can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced debut schedule or consoles, but players can anticipate further news as creation progresses.