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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 crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a clearer vision.

The president noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to address player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to mind and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the recent years producing and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming Ben next week. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the development of the game in the months to come.

The President

Experience of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that change every match. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, gamble everything, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

The game has not yet received an confirmed launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as production continues.