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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Poor Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the need for a clearer vision.

The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to heart and reimagined the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. After some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all excited to persist observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a public demo. At the time, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary explains. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that shift every match. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? 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 platforms, but players can look forward to further news as creation advances.