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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Follows Poor Response

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a clearer direction.

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

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire text from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a sharper vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the feedback to heart and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. After several months of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting evolution 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 states. "Face the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every match. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed release date or supported systems, but players can look forward to further news as production continues.