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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman assumes the leadership position 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 underwhelming early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a distinct direction.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full text from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. Following some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

His management and background in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having dedicated the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all eager to keep seeing the evolution of the game in the months to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a early access event. Then, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Take on the competition with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

The game lacks an official launch window or supported systems, but fans can look forward to further news as creation progresses.