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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Poor Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure updated staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a distinct vision.

Ismailer noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership 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 the game playtest was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our fans.

The belief in this project increases every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Studio Head of the team. After some time of talks, Ben starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him in the coming days. We are all excited to persist observing the progress of the game in the months to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward 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 game's pitch states. "Face the competition with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every match. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, gamble everything, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or supported systems, but players can anticipate additional details as production continues.