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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 working on the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer direction.

The president noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

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

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

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

The player input from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It validated the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to persist seeing the development of the game in the months to come.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in last year together with a public demo. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Face the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, risk it all, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official release date or consoles, but players can look forward to further news as development advances.