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The renowned publisher has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Leadership Transition Comes After Mixed Reception

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last fall.

Recently, 2K president a key figure notified team members about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had revealed the necessity for a clearer direction.

Ismailer noted that the team is now reimagining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to satisfy gamer demands.

A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to assist with the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.

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

Dear Team—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I trust you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Previously I shared you all a update, I stated the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most motivated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

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

The gamer responses from last autumn’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It validated the potential of a roguelike shooter but indicated we still had improvements to make. It uncovered the requirement for a sharper brand.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the criticism to consideration and reimagined the title with a renewed goal - one that’s ready to achieve its promise to our fans.

The belief in this project grows every day. To further the outstanding development you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. Following several months of conversations, Ben starts with us on the specified date.

Ben’s guidance and experience in the PVP shooter space is extensive, having devoted the recent years developing and managing some of the most recognizable series in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting Ben next week. We are all excited to persist observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the weeks to follow.

David

Experience of the New Leader

The appointee currently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Initially, 31st Union presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the style."

"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 description states. "Face the rivals with fresh skills, challenges, and tests that shift every session. Do you leave securely with your valuable rewards? Alternatively go big, risk it all, and pray your group can secure victory? The decision is yours."

The game does not have an announced debut schedule or platforms, but enthusiasts can look forward to more updates as production progresses.