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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Mixed Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a distinct direction.

The president noted that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its promise to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. After a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having devoted the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him next week. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to come.

The President

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a early access event. Then, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Take on the opponents with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an announced release date or consoles, but fans can anticipate further news as creation advances.