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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.

The president stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His management and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the recent years developing and leading some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Face the competition with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that shift every session. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

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