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2K Games has appointed a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Follows Mixed Response

Brinkman steps into the leadership position at 31st Union following the departure of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's lackluster initial reveal last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had indicated the need for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a renewed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

Trend of Strategic Recruitment

The news echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire message from the president's communication:

Dear Team—

I know you all just wrapped up your gathering - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the good news. Previously I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and talented developers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that collaboration to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game demo was enlightening. It affirmed the appeal of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the feedback to consideration and revamped Project ETHOS with a renewed goal - one that’s poised to achieve its potential to our audience.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To advance the remarkable advancement you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the new Director of 31st Union. After several months of talks, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and background in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the last 15 years creating and leading some of the most well-known series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Let’s together in welcoming him soon. We are all excited to keep witnessing the evolution of the game in the weeks to ahead.

David

Experience of the Incoming Leader

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Concept

Project Ethos was unveiled in last year alongside a community playtest. Then, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an thrilling advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in live gameplay to suit your personal playstyle," the official summary states. "Face the competition with unique powers, risks, and tests that evolve every session. Will you leave securely with your collected items? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The option is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an confirmed release date or consoles, but fans can look forward to further news as production continues.