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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire text from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a clearer identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of the team. Following a period of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most popular franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting him soon. We are all eager to persist seeing the development of the game in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the category."

"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 official summary states. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that change every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but players can expect additional details as development progresses.