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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Poor Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined direction.

The president noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. 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 talented designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to consideration and overhauled the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him soon. We are all eager to persist observing the progress of the game in the weeks to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Face the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official debut schedule or consoles, but fans can look forward to more updates as creation advances.