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

Leadership Transition Comes After Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman steps into 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 initial reveal last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the need for a clearer vision.

The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete content from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to heart and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our players.

The belief in this project strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most popular franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year alongside a early access event. Then, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the competition with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an announced debut schedule or consoles, but players can look forward to further news as production continues.