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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire message from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled 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 creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the necessity for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to heart and reimagined the title with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. After a period of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His management and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having spent the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the evolution of the game in the months to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, risks, and tests that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

The game lacks an official launch window or platforms, but fans can expect additional details as development progresses.