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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Poor Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the requirement for a distinct game identity.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from the president's communication:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope 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 crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. After several months of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting Ben next week. We are all eager to continue seeing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or supported systems, but players can expect additional details as production continues.