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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a distinct vision.

The president noted that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise development group.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative creators we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to endure.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a sharper brand.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the criticism to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to deliver on its potential to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of talks, Ben comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having devoted the recent years creating and managing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him soon. We are all eager to keep witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

The President

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in last year together with a early access event. Then, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description reads. "Face the competition with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Or go big, risk it all, and hope your group can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

The game lacks an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but enthusiasts can anticipate additional details as development progresses.