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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 forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a more defined vision.

The president stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Key Hires

The news echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the entire text from the president's communication:

Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our players.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. After some time of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.

His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all looking forward to continue observing the progress of the game in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as creation progresses.