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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer vision.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire content from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, Ben officially joins us on next week.

His leadership and background in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the months to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and challenges that change every round. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your squad can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an official release date or consoles, but players can anticipate further news as development continues.