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

Leadership Change Comes After Lukewarm Response

The new appointee assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure updated employees about this decision through an official communication, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the necessity for a more defined direction.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy player expectations.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a similar move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Here is the full text from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the opportunity to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to continue.”

Through your commitment and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the requirement for a clearer brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You accepted the input to heart and reimagined Project ETHOS with a refreshed vision - one that’s ready to achieve its potential to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS increases every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of talks, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

His leadership and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having spent the recent years creating and leading some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, the battle royale hit.

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 Head

Brinkman currently serves in the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty games, and, prior to that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an exciting step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, risks, and obstacles that shift every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively aim high, risk it all, and hope your squad can earn top ranking? The decision is yours."

The game lacks an official launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to further news as creation advances.