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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Poor Reception

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer direction.

The president stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

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

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of talks, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving Ben next week. We are all excited to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary reads. "Face the competition with new abilities, risks, and tests that change every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, put it on the line, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

The game has not yet received an official launch window or platforms, but fans can expect additional details as creation advances.