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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Reception

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a distinct direction.

Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining the project with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news mirrors 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 full text from Ismailer's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this team. You all are some of the most driven and creative developers we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re excited for that partnership to continue.”

Given your hard work and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had improvements to make. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to heart and overhauled the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its promise to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the new Lead of 31st Union. After some time of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the last 15 years developing and overseeing some of the most popular series in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him next week. We are all excited to continue observing the development of the game in the weeks to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in last year together with a community playtest. Then, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Face the rivals with new abilities, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your group can secure victory? The decision is yours."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or supported systems, but fans can look forward to more updates as development progresses.