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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a clearer direction.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

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

Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’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 sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our players.

The trust in this project increases every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. After a period of talks, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter space is vast, having spent the last 15 years developing and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all eager to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch explains. "Face the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, gamble everything, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."

The game has not yet received an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as production advances.