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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Response

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a distinct vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer vision.

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

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. After several months of talks, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all eager to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, stakes, and tests that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, gamble everything, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."

The game does not have an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect further news as creation continues.