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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 crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Poor 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 reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement mirrors a comparable action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete content from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our fans.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the recent years creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben next week. We are all eager to continue witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the New Head

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Face the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and challenges that change every match. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

The game does not have an official debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as production progresses.