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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Lukewarm Response

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified team members about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the complete text from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our players.

The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having devoted the recent years producing and managing some of the most popular titles in gaming, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him in the coming days. We are all eager to continue seeing the progress of Project ETHOS in the time to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description reads. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

The game lacks an official release date or consoles, but players can anticipate further news as production progresses.