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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Follows Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 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 clearer vision.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the entire content from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a sharper vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, he officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting Ben soon. We are all eager to keep witnessing the development of the game in the time to come.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and tests that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

The game lacks an announced release date or supported systems, but players can look forward to further news as production progresses.