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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Follows Poor Response

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the need for a more defined direction.

The president stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

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

Below is the complete content from the president's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just finished your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and innovative developers we have had the chance to partner with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to persist.”

With your dedication and adaptability, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a clearer identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our players.

The trust in this project increases every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of the team. Following some time of talks, Ben officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming space is extensive, having spent the recent years producing and overseeing some of the most recognizable titles in the industry, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to continue observing the evolution of the game in the months to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Details and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year in conjunction with a public demo. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative evolution on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the opponents with new abilities, stakes, and tests that evolve every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as production advances.