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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from the president's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our players.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the new Director of the team. After a period of conversations, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having spent the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all excited to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Face the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that change every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but players can expect more updates as creation continues.