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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently crafting the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Response

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last fall.

On Wednesday, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now refining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Hires

This announcement follows a similar step taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the entire text from the president's announcement:

Team—

I understand you all just wrapped up your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Last time I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

With your dedication and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had work to do. It highlighted the necessity for a sharper identity.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. After several months of conversations, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half creating and managing some of the most recognizable titles in gaming, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming Ben in the coming days. We are all excited to continue observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead.

The President

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, earlier in his career, had periods at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch explains. "Take on the rivals with unique powers, stakes, and obstacles that change every session. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and trust your group can secure victory? The choice is yours."

The game lacks an official debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can look forward to additional details as production advances.