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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio 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.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. After a period of discussions, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having devoted the recent years creating and managing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to come.

David

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person 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 live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that change every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

The game lacks an official launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as production advances.