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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead 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 Transition Follows Poor Response

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined vision.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from the president's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative designers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our players.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. Following several months of discussions, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all eager to continue observing the progress of the game in the months to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year together with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the category."

"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 states. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and trust your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

The game has not yet received an confirmed release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect further news as production continues.