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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Response

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a clearer game identity.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Hires

The news mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our fans.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To further the remarkable progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and background in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most popular series in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben soon. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every match. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and pray your squad can secure victory? The choice is yours."

The game lacks an announced release date or consoles, but fans can anticipate further news as development advances.