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2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as this innovative game.

Leadership Shift Follows Mixed Response

The new appointee steps into the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of previous head Michael Condrey, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing unveiling last autumn.

On Wednesday, 2K president David Ismailer notified staff about this decision through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had indicated the requirement for a clearer direction.

Ismailer stated that the team is now overhauling Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address player expectations.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

The news follows a similar move taken by 2K Games in August, when they hired an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the beloved franchise studio Cloud Chamber.

Below is the entire content from Ismailer's memo:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your gathering - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Previously I sent you all a message, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and talented creators we have had the chance to work with - and we’re excited for that collaboration to endure.”

Given your hard work and flexibility, particularly over the last year, you continue to prove that.

The player input from last autumn’s Project ETHOS demo was informative. It validated the appeal of a roguelike shooter but told us we still had work to do. It highlighted the requirement for a sharper identity.

It has been motivating to see how far you’ve come. You took the criticism to mind and reimagined the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our audience.

The belief in Project ETHOS grows every day. To further the outstanding progress you’ve made, I’m excited to welcome the new hire as the latest Director of 31st Union. Following some time of conversations, he comes aboard us on the specified date.

His guidance and expertise in the PVP shooter field is considerable, having spent the past decade and a half producing and managing some of the most well-known series in the industry, for example the acclaimed shooter, and most recently, Apex Legends.

I invite you all in greeting Ben soon. We are all eager to persist seeing the evolution of Project ETHOS in the time to come.

David

Background of the Incoming Head

Brinkman currently holds the position of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier worked at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, before that, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Title Information and Vision

Project Ethos was unveiled in October 2024 together with a early access event. Then, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an thrilling step forward on the category."

"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary reads. "Face the competition with new abilities, risks, and challenges that evolve every match. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Or go big, risk it all, and pray your group can earn top ranking? The option is yours."

The game has not yet received an announced debut schedule or consoles, but enthusiasts can expect more updates as production continues.