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The renowned publisher 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 upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a more defined game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire message from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. Following some time of discussions, Ben officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all eager to keep seeing the development of the game in the months to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Take on the competition with unique powers, risks, and tests that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your team can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but players can expect additional details as creation progresses.