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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a more defined vision.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Hires

The news echoes a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a clearer brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project strengthens every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and experience in the PVP shooter field is vast, having spent the last 15 years creating and managing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving Ben soon. We are all excited to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Experience of the New Head

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

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in last year alongside a public demo. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the competition with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and hope your team can achieve the highest spot? The option is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced release date or consoles, but fans can anticipate further news as creation continues.