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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Feedback

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a more defined game identity.

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

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock development group.

Here is the entire text from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your meeting - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and creative developers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to consideration and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its potential to our fans.

The trust in this project grows every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of the team. Following several months of talks, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the recent years creating and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 alongside a early access event. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Face the rivals with unique powers, challenges, and tests that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, gamble everything, and trust your team can secure victory? The decision is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced release date or platforms, but fans can anticipate further news as development advances.