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

Leadership Change Follows Poor Feedback

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire text from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the requirement for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our audience.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s management and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and managing some of the most popular titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting Ben soon. We are all eager to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in last year together with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Face the competition with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your team can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an announced launch window or platforms, but fans can expect more updates as production progresses.