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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 working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee takes on 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' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the need for a distinct direction.

The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben next week. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Face the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and tests that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your team can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

The game has not yet received an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as development progresses.