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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's 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 emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct direction.

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

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the full text from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was enlightening. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a more distinct identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben next week. We are all excited to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution 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 explains. "Take on the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every match. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, risk it all, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official debut schedule or consoles, but players can anticipate more updates as creation progresses.