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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Reception

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Key Hires

The news follows a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

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

Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative developers we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to continue.”

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

The player input from last fall’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to consideration and revamped the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to fulfill its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the incoming Director of the team. Following several months of conversations, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having spent the recent years creating and managing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him in the coming days. We are all eager to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to follow.

David

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. Then, the developers described the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your squad can secure victory? The option is up to you."

Project Ethos does not have an official debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as creation advances.