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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Poor Feedback

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

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a more defined game identity.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full message from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to mind and overhauled the title with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our players.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to continue witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that change every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your group can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate additional details as creation advances.