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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Poor Response

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had shown the requirement for a more defined vision.

The president noted that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Hires

The news echoes a comparable action taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The player input from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a clearer brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. Following several months of talks, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to continue seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and challenges that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your squad can secure victory? The option is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as development advances.