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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Comes After Poor Response

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer notified team members about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer game identity.

The president noted that the team is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed focus, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Hires

The news echoes a comparable step taken by the publisher in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the complete message from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - 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 motivated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game demo was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to mind and overhauled the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to achieve its promise to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

His leadership and background in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having spent the last 15 years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist observing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Background of the New Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The decision is up to you."

Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or platforms, but players can expect further news as creation continues.