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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Mixed Feedback

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a more defined vision.

Ismailer stated that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full content from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to consideration and overhauled the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of talks, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the recent years developing and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the evolution of the game in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary explains. "Face the opponents with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an official debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as production progresses.