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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified staff about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a more defined direction.

The president noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the full text from the president's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To advance the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. Following some time of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all looking forward to continue observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Experience of the New Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Face the rivals with unique powers, risks, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

The game does not have an announced release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as creation continues.