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2K Games has secured a seasoned producer from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Poor Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming early showing last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this decision through an internal memo, 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 approach, aiming to better meet gamer demands.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

The news follows a comparable move taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

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

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I hope you’re as thrilled as I am with the positive developments. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was enlightening. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the need for a sharper brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to heart and overhauled the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our audience.

The belief in this project increases every day. To advance the remarkable development you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce Ben Brinkman as the latest Studio Head of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years developing and managing some of the most popular series in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in receiving him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was revealed in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union presented the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary reads. "Take on the rivals with new abilities, risks, and challenges that shift every round. Will you safely extract with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and hope your team can secure victory? The decision is yours."

The game lacks an confirmed launch window or supported systems, but players can anticipate additional details as production continues.