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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer vision.

The president stated that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full content from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the need for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our audience.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To further the remarkable development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the latest Director of the team. Following several months of conversations, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting him next week. We are all excited to continue witnessing the evolution of the game in the months to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative evolution 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 match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and obstacles that change every round. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an announced release date or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as development advances.