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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Follows Poor Reception

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined direction.

The president expressed that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Key Hires

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

Here is the complete content from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

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

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to mind and overhauled the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the incredible development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After a period of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in receiving him next week. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the development of the game in the months to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Head

The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, risks, and tests that evolve every round. Do you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but fans can look forward to further news as development advances.