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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full message from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having spent the recent years creating and managing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a public demo. At the time, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that change every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and trust your team can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but players can look forward to additional details as production continues.