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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Follows Poor Feedback

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

On Wednesday, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Hires

This announcement echoes a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire text from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just wrapped up your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to heart and reimagined the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the outstanding advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Lead of the team. After a period of conversations, he starts with us on next week.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known series in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him soon. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that change every match. Do you safely extract with your collected items? Or aim high, put it on the line, and pray your squad can secure victory? The option is in your hands."

The game does not have an announced debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as development progresses.