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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer 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.

Leadership Change Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a more defined game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Key Hires

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

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

The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our fans.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. After some time of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His management and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all excited to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a public demo. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, risks, and challenges that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your squad can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can look forward to additional details as creation progresses.