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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct direction.

The president noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the entire text from the president's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to mind and revamped the title with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our players.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. After a period of discussions, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all eager to persist seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter 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 real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and pray your group can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an confirmed release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as production advances.