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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently working on the forthcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Shift Follows Poor Response

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' underwhelming unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive a key figure informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that playtesting had shown the requirement for a more defined vision.

The president expressed that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to address community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar step taken by the publisher in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the entire content from the president's memo:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

With your dedication and adaptability, particularly over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game testing phase was informative. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the necessity for a more distinct identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve progressed. You took the criticism to mind and revamped Project ETHOS with a refreshed goal - one that’s positioned to achieve its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To boost the outstanding advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following a period of conversations, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

His management and experience in the competitive gaming space is considerable, having dedicated the recent years producing and leading some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him next week. We are all eager to continue witnessing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

David

Experience of the Incoming Head

The appointee presently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He earlier was employed at major gaming companies in diverse development positions on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch states. "Challenge the opponents with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every session. Do you safely extract with your valuable rewards? Alternatively take a risk, risk it all, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an announced debut schedule or platforms, but players can anticipate additional details as creation continues.