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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee 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 Mixed Reception

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined game identity.

The president noted that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

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

Dear Team—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was informative. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of discussions, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in receiving him soon. We are all excited to persist witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in last year together with a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Face the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and challenges that evolve every match. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or take a risk, 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 official release date or consoles, but players can anticipate more updates as development advances.