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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Poor Feedback

The new appointee steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' disappointing initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure updated staff about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a distinct game identity.

The president stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Acquisitions

The news mirrors a comparable step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the full content from Ismailer's memo:

Team—

I understand you all just completed your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a update, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the chance to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that relationship to persist.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It uncovered the need for a clearer vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the feedback to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to fulfill its ambition to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the incredible development you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce the new hire as the latest Lead of 31st Union. After a period of discussions, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years producing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, 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 time to come.

The President

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the game's pitch states. "Face the competition with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that evolve every session. Do you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your squad can secure victory? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos does not have an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as creation advances.