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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision.

The president stated that the developers is now refining the project with a revised approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a more distinct vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the recent years developing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that shift every match. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your team can secure victory? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as creation continues.