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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Management Shift Comes After Lukewarm Response

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's underwhelming early showing last fall.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated team members about this organizational change through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a clearer vision.

The president expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed focus, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to continue.”

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

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a clearer identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the criticism to heart and overhauled Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its promise to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the new Studio Head of 31st Union. After some time of discussions, he starts with us on next week.

His management and background in the PVP shooter field is vast, having dedicated the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in greeting him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep observing the evolution of the game in the time to follow.

The President

Background of the New Head

The appointee presently serves in the position of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier worked at major gaming companies in various production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in last year alongside a public demo. Initially, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, risks, and challenges that shift every round. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The choice is yours."

The game does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can expect further news as development continues.