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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 third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a distinct vision.

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

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete content from the president's memo:

Team—

I understand 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 note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to heart and reimagined the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. After some time of discussions, he officially joins us on the specified date.

His guidance and background in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the months to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement 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 match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and tests that change every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

The game lacks an announced debut schedule or platforms, but fans can expect further news as production progresses.