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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently working on the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Mixed Response

The new appointee takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's disappointing early showing last autumn.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified employees about this organizational change through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had shown the necessity for a clearer vision.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise development group.

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

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

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

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It affirmed the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the necessity for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to heart and overhauled the title with a revitalized goal - one that’s ready to deliver on its ambition to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to introduce the new hire as the incoming Director of 31st Union. Following some time of talks, he starts with us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having dedicated the recent years producing and leading some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in welcoming him next week. We are all looking forward to persist seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, the developers presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description states. "Challenge the competition with fresh skills, risks, and tests that shift every session. Will you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can secure victory? The decision is up to you."

The game does not have an announced release date or platforms, but players can anticipate more updates as development advances.