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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

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

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a clearer brand.

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

The belief in this project grows every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Lead of the team. Following several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having spent the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles 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 announced in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, risks, and tests that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or go big, gamble everything, and trust your squad can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as production continues.