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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer vision.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full text from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to consideration and overhauled the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, he officially joins us on the specified date.

His leadership and experience in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having dedicated the recent years developing and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, risk it all, and trust your squad can secure victory? The option is up to you."

The game lacks an announced debut schedule or platforms, but fans can look forward to more updates as development progresses.