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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct direction.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Hires

The news mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full content from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to persist seeing the development of the game in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the New Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a public demo. Initially, the developers described 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! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the official summary explains. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your squad can secure victory? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or supported systems, but players can look forward to additional details as production advances.