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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer direction.

The president stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the entire message from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent 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 chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to mind and overhauled the title with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our fans.

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

His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having spent the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all excited to persist seeing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a public demo. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Face the rivals with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that change every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an confirmed release date or consoles, but players can anticipate more updates as development progresses.