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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of the team. After some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having devoted the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him in the coming days. We are all eager to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the months to come.

The President

Background of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, risks, and tests that evolve every session. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, risk it all, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as creation continues.