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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Response

Brinkman steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct direction.

The president noted that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the complete text from Ismailer's announcement:

Dear Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. 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 creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the need for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of the team. Following some time of talks, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

His guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting Ben next week. We are all looking forward to continue witnessing the development of Project ETHOS in the months to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch reads. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or aim high, risk it all, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an official release date or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as development advances.