🔗 Share this article 2K Recruits Popular Battle Royale Lead to Revitalize Struggling Hero Shooter Project Ethos 2K Games has welcomed a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game. Leadership Change Follows Lukewarm Response Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' lackluster early showing last fall. Recently, the company's top executive a key figure notified employees about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a more defined vision. Ismailer stated that the team is now refining the project with a revised focus, aiming to address gamer demands. A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment This announcement mirrors a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to assist with the beloved franchise development group. Below is the entire message from Ismailer's communication: Hello Everyone— I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a message, I stated the following: “I believe in this group. You all are some of the most driven and innovative developers we have had the chance to work with - and we’re eager for that relationship to endure.” Given your hard work and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that. The gamer responses from last fall’s the game playtest was informative. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had refinements needed. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper identity. The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve advanced. You accepted the feedback to mind and revamped the title with a revitalized vision - one that’s positioned to deliver on its ambition to our audience. Our confidence in this project grows every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to introduce the new hire as the incoming Lead of the team. Following a period of discussions, he officially joins us on next week. His guidance and background in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having spent the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, including the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, the battle royale hit. Please join me in welcoming him soon. We are all eager to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to ahead. David Experience of the Incoming Head Brinkman currently serves in the position of senior developer and production lead at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders. Game Details and Vision The upcoming game was unveiled in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting evolution on the genre." "Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the description explains. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, challenges, and tests that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, gamble everything, and hope your squad can secure victory? The decision is in your hands." The game lacks an official launch window or consoles, but fans can expect more updates as development advances.