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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Poor Reception

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a clearer direction.

Ismailer stated that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full text from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our players.

The trust in this project grows every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the recent years producing and leading some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving Ben soon. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"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 game's pitch explains. "Challenge the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that change every round. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as development advances.