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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the need for a clearer game identity.

The president stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full text from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the necessity for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to mind and reimagined the title with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of the team. Following a period of talks, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to persist witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a public demo. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, gamble everything, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect further news as production continues.