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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Reception

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 disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a more defined direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now refining the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, he officially joins us on the specified date.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, the developers portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution 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 official summary states. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that change every session. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your team can achieve the highest spot? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as development advances.