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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Change Follows Mixed Response

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the necessity for a more defined game identity.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement echoes a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire text from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It revealed the need for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its ambition to our fans.

The trust in Project ETHOS increases every day. To boost the outstanding progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of the team. After several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the competitive gaming space is vast, having devoted the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most popular franchises in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the evolution of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The choice is up to you."

The game has not yet received an announced launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as development progresses.