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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a clearer direction.

The president noted that the team is now refining the project with a revised approach, aiming to better meet community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

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

Below is the full content from Ismailer's memo:

Dear Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the potential 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 took the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. Following some time of discussions, he officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having dedicated the recent years creating and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting Ben soon. We are all excited to continue witnessing the evolution of the game in the months to come.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the competition with new abilities, risks, and tests that shift every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, gamble everything, and trust your squad can secure victory? The decision is yours."

The game has not yet received an announced release date or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect further news as creation continues.