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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position 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, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the need for a distinct vision.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire text from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Initially, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that shift every match. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but fans can expect further news as production continues.