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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the need for a distinct vision.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its promise to our players.

The trust in this project strengthens every day. To boost the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the recent years developing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming him soon. We are all eager to keep observing the evolution of the game in the months to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and tests that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is up to you."

The game does not have an announced launch window or platforms, but fans can anticipate more updates as development progresses.