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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.

The president stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Hires

The news follows a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete content from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. Following some time of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all eager to continue seeing the evolution of the game in the time to come.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution 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 official summary reads. "Face the rivals with unique powers, risks, and challenges that shift every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an official launch window or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as creation advances.