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

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a clearer game identity.

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

Trend of Key Hires

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

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our audience.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of the team. After a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all eager to continue witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution 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 fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that change every match. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but players can look forward to further news as production continues.