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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Poor Reception

The new appointee assumes 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' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a distinct direction.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the entire content from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him soon. We are all excited to continue observing the development of the game in the months to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or supported systems, but players can expect further news as creation advances.