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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Response

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer game identity.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement follows a similar action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the full message from the president's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to persist.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our fans.

The belief in this project grows every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His management and background in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having dedicated the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a early access event. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, risks, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

The game lacks an official launch window or supported systems, but fans can expect more updates as production advances.