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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news follows a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's communication:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.

His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that shift every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your squad can secure victory? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an announced release date or consoles, but fans can expect additional details as creation continues.