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2K Games has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Response

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

On Wednesday, 2K president a key figure informed team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the need for a more defined vision.

The president stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed approach, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Team—

I understand you all just completed your meeting - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

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

The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was enlightening. It validated the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to mind and revamped the title with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS increases every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of the team. Following some time of conversations, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

His management and background in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving Ben next week. We are all looking forward to continue seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 together with a early access event. Initially, 31st Union described the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting step forward on the style."

"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 official summary explains. "Face the rivals with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your group can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

The game lacks an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can expect additional details as creation advances.