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

Management Change Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a more defined vision.

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

Trend of Key Hires

The news mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, he starts with us on the specified date.

His leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"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 official summary reads. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, stakes, and tests that shift every match. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed release date or supported systems, but fans can anticipate more updates as production progresses.