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The renowned publisher has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Poor Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a more defined direction.

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

Trend of Key Recruitment

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock development group.

Here is the full content from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

With your dedication and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our players.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the new Director of 31st Union. After a period of talks, he comes aboard us on next week.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming genre is vast, having devoted the recent years developing and managing some of the most popular titles in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in welcoming him in the coming days. We are all eager to continue observing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative step forward on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, risks, and challenges that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, risk it all, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos lacks an official launch window or consoles, but players can expect more updates as development progresses.