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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which highlighted that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a distinct direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now refining the project with a revised vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

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

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and innovative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

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

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to deliver on its ambition to our players.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the incredible progress you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s management and background in the PVP shooter space is vast, having devoted the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all eager to keep observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a public demo. Then, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Challenge the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and tests that change every match. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is yours."

The game has not yet received an announced release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as production advances.