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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Poor Response

The new appointee takes on 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 the game's lackluster early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct vision.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. Following a period of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having devoted the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all eager to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement 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 game's pitch explains. "Face the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and tests that change every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

The game does not have an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as production continues.