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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a clearer direction.

The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all eager to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in last year together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union presented 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! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Challenge the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and tests that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or consoles, but fans can look forward to additional details as development continues.