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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Response

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a more defined vision.

The president noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete text from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After some time of talks, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming space is vast, having devoted the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every session. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or take a risk, risk it all, and hope your team can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

The game lacks an confirmed launch window or consoles, but players can anticipate additional details as development continues.