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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Response

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

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which highlighted that playtesting had indicated the requirement for a distinct vision.

The president expressed that the developers is now overhauling the project with a renewed approach, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement follows a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired Rod Fergusson from Blizzard to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Here is the full text from the president's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I understand you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as excited as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I expressed the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most dedicated and innovative developers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re eager for that partnership to persist.”

With your dedication and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s the game testing phase was revealing. It validated the potential of a action-packed game but told us we still had refinements needed. It revealed the requirement for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our fans.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To boost the outstanding development you’ve made, I am thrilled to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of 31st Union. After some time of talks, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s leadership and expertise in the PVP shooter genre is extensive, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most recognizable franchises in gaming, for example the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

Please join me in welcoming Ben soon. We are all excited to keep seeing the evolution of the game in the months to ahead.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman presently serves in the role of senior developer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in various development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Information and Vision

Project Ethos was revealed in October 2024 together with a early access event. Then, the developers presented the game as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the style."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Build your hero in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the game's pitch states. "Take on the competition with fresh skills, stakes, and tests that shift every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your squad can achieve the highest spot? The decision is in your hands."

Project Ethos lacks an official debut schedule or supported systems, but players can anticipate more updates as development continues.