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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Poor Feedback

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the requirement for a more defined game identity.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the entire content from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It revealed the necessity for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our audience.

The belief in this project grows every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. Following some time of talks, he starts with us on the specified date.

His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming field is vast, having spent the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the development of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year alongside a early access event. Then, the developers described the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as development continues.