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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at 31st Union following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Hires

This announcement follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete content from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that partnership to endure.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game demo was enlightening. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a clearer vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the criticism to mind and revamped the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in this project increases every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. After some time of talks, he officially joins us on next week.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming space is vast, having spent the recent years producing and managing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting him next week. We are all eager to continue seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Concept

Project Ethos was revealed in last year together with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Face the opponents with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that shift every session. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Or take a risk, risk it all, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The choice is up to you."

The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can anticipate more updates as development continues.