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The renowned publisher has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Poor Reception

The new appointee takes on 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' lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a clearer game identity.

The president noted that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

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

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. After several months of conversations, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having spent the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving Ben next week. We are all looking forward to keep observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Background of the New Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Then, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch reads. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, risks, and tests that change every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

The game does not have an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as production advances.