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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to lead the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently developing the anticipated over-the-shoulder roguelike extraction-shooter known as this innovative game.

Leadership Transition Follows Lukewarm Response

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 Project Ethos' disappointing early showing last autumn.

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

The president noted that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to better meet community desires.

Trend of Key Acquisitions

This announcement echoes a similar step taken by the publisher in the summer, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Here is the complete text from the president's communication:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just wrapped up your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I shared you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative creators we have had the pleasure to work with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, especially over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last fall’s the game testing phase was enlightening. It confirmed the potential of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a clearer vision.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You embraced the input to consideration and revamped the title with a refreshed goal - one that’s ready to fulfill its promise to our audience.

The belief in this project grows every day. To further the incredible progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, he comes aboard us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having devoted the recent years producing and leading some of the most well-known titles in gaming, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Please join me in greeting Ben soon. We are all looking forward to keep seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the weeks to come.

David

Experience of the New Head

The appointee presently holds the role of senior developer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse development positions on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had periods at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Concept

Project Ethos was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a early access event. Initially, the developers described the game as a "no-cost, 3rd-person roguelike hero shooter and an exciting advancement on the category."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Build your hero in real-time to suit your personal playstyle," the description reads. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, stakes, and challenges that change every session. Do you withdraw carefully with your collected items? Or go big, put it on the line, and hope your team can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

The game has not yet received an confirmed release date or consoles, but fans can expect further news as production progresses.