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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined direction.

The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Hires

The news echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the complete text from the president's memo:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After some time of talks, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the recent years developing and leading some of the most popular series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting him next week. We are all excited to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience 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 suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."

The game lacks an announced release date or platforms, but players can look forward to additional details as development advances.