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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.

The president stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete text from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed 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 collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

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

The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to mind and overhauled the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our fans.

The trust in this project increases every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most popular series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the months to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a community playtest. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Take on the competition with unique powers, stakes, and tests that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your team can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as development continues.