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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Poor Reception

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a more defined vision.

The president stated that the team is now refining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news echoes a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the input to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having devoted the recent years creating and leading some of the most popular titles in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the months to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a public demo. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution 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 reads. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

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