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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a more defined game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire content from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having devoted the recent years developing and leading some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to keep observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that shift every session. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an announced release date or platforms, but fans can expect more updates as production progresses.