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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Poor Response

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct game identity.

The president stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

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

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most popular titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Face the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

The game does not have an announced debut schedule or platforms, but fans can expect additional details as creation advances.