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2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the development team at 31st Union, which is currently developing the upcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Feedback

Brinkman takes on the leadership position at the development studio following the departure of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing early showing last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed employees about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had revealed the need for a clearer vision.

The president stated that the developers is now refining Project Ethos with a refreshed vision, aiming to better meet player expectations.

Trend of Key Recruitment

This announcement follows a comparable move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire text from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I shared you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most driven and talented developers we have had the opportunity to collaborate with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to persist.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, especially over the past twelve months, you repeatedly show that.

The community feedback from last fall’s Project ETHOS testing phase was revealing. It confirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a sharper vision.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve progressed. You embraced the criticism to heart and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our players.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the incredible advancement you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome Ben Brinkman as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following several months of discussions, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

Ben’s management and expertise in the PVP shooter field is vast, having devoted the past decade and a half producing and overseeing some of the most well-known franchises in the industry, such as the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, the battle royale hit.

I invite you all in greeting Ben next week. We are all looking forward to persist witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.

David

Background of the New Head

The appointee currently holds the position of senior developer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in multiple production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Details and Vision

Project Ethos was announced in last year in conjunction with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the game as a "no-cost, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description explains. "Face the opponents with unique powers, risks, and obstacles that evolve every match. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or aim high, put it on the line, and pray your squad can secure victory? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos does not have an confirmed launch window or platforms, but fans can expect more updates as production progresses.