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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct vision.

Ismailer noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete message from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our players.

The belief in this project increases every day. To further the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and background in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having spent the recent years developing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist observing the development of the game in the weeks to come.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement 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 game's pitch reads. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

The game has not yet received an announced launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as creation continues.