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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our players.

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

His guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all excited to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in last year alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that shift every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

The game lacks an official launch window or supported systems, but players can anticipate more updates as creation advances.