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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Response

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full text from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, Ben starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most well-known titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all looking forward to keep witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

David

Experience of the New Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary states. "Face the competition with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an official release date or supported systems, but players can anticipate further news as creation advances.