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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Poor Feedback

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.

Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete content from the president's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to heart and reimagined the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the recent years producing and leading some of the most recognizable series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all eager to keep observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting step forward 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 states. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and tests that shift every session. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and trust your group can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

The game does not have an official release date or supported systems, but fans can anticipate more updates as development advances.