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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer direction.

The president stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After a period of talks, he starts with us on the specified date.

His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having devoted the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all eager to keep observing the progress of the game in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the New Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary explains. "Face the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but fans can anticipate additional details as development advances.