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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Change Follows Mixed Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had shown the need for a distinct vision.

The president stated that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire text from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It confirmed the promise of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our fans.

The belief in this project grows every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter genre is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming Ben next week. We are all eager to keep witnessing the development of the game in the months to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that shift every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as development continues.