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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 developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement follows a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full message from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

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

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the criticism to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His guidance and background in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him soon. We are all eager to persist witnessing the development of the game in the months to come.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a public demo. Initially, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

The game lacks an confirmed release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as creation progresses.