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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Follows Poor Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a clearer direction.

The president stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock development group.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting Ben next week. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward 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 game's pitch explains. "Take on the competition with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that shift every round. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but fans can look forward to additional details as development progresses.