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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman steps into 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' disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure informed team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer vision.

The president expressed that the developers is now refining the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the input to heart and revamped the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of the team. Following a period of discussions, he starts with us on the specified date.

His management and background in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to keep observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the New Leader

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description explains. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and trust your team can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an announced debut schedule or platforms, but fans can look forward to more updates as production progresses.