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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Follows Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this strategic move through an internal memo, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the requirement for a distinct vision.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

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

Below is the complete text from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re looking forward for that relationship to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the criticism to heart and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its ambition to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Lead of 31st Union. Following some time of discussions, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

His leadership and background in the competitive gaming field is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in receiving him soon. We are all looking forward to continue observing the evolution of the game in the time to ahead.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously worked at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Then, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the category."

"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 description states. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and tests that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

The game lacks an official release date or platforms, but players can look forward to further news as creation continues.