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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

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

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a more defined vision.

Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Hires

The news follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a clearer brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all excited to persist seeing the progress of the game in the months to follow.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, the developers portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Challenge the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as creation continues.