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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.

The president stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news follows a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete content from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all eager to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward 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 suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, risk it all, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

The game does not have an official debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect further news as development continues.