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2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Change Comes After Poor Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.

The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

The news echoes a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's communication:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was informative. It confirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the need for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to heart and reimagined the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After several months of discussions, he comes aboard us on next week.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming field is considerable, having devoted the recent years developing and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to persist seeing the development of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Experience of the New Head

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 alongside a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union portrayed the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Take on the opponents with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that shift every round. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is up to you."

The game lacks an official release date or platforms, but players can look forward to more updates as creation advances.