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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer direction.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the requirement for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

The belief in this project increases every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After a period of talks, he officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming field is vast, having devoted the recent years producing and managing some of the most popular series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving Ben next week. We are all excited to keep observing the evolution of the game in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and challenges that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can look forward to further news as production advances.