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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Feedback

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed staff about this strategic move through an official communication, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the necessity for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer noted that the developers is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the full message from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a more distinct brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of the team. After some time of conversations, Ben officially joins us on the specified date.

Ben’s leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in welcoming him next week. We are all looking forward to continue observing the development of the game in the time to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the official summary explains. "Take on the competition with unique powers, stakes, and tests that evolve every round. Will you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your team can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but players can look forward to further news as production continues.