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The renowned publisher has appointed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Management Change Comes After Mixed Feedback

The new appointee takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the exit of former leader Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the necessity for a clearer game identity.

Ismailer stated that the team is now refining the project with a renewed focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Strategic Hires

The news echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete text from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and flexibility, especially over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the promise of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct vision.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to mind and reimagined Project ETHOS with a renewed vision - one that’s poised to deliver on its potential to our fans.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To advance the outstanding development you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce Ben Brinkman as the latest Lead of 31st Union. Following a period of talks, he starts with us on next week.

Ben’s management and experience in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the recent years creating and overseeing some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and most recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming him next week. We are all excited to continue observing the development of the game in the weeks to come.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, the developers portrayed the game as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the genre."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the official summary states. "Face the competition with new abilities, risks, and challenges that shift every match. Do you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or take a risk, put it on the line, and pray your squad can secure victory? The option is yours."

The game lacks an confirmed launch window or consoles, but fans can expect further news as production continues.